The core of the mattress is the most important part in the support of the body. In most modern mattresses (except for foam-only ones), it is made up of steel coiled springs, also known simply as coils. The spring mattress core is also called innerspring. This provides support to the set. Proper support is where the wire coils push back in response to weight deflection to hold the body in alignment. The steel coil spring was invented during the industrial revolution and was first patented for use in a chair seat in 1857. Then, in 1871, Heinrich Westphal invented the innerspring mattress. He lived in Germany and died in poverty, having never profited from his invention…

When does a mattress need replacing?
After 7–15 years, depending on use and quality, although many people use their mattresses longer.
Experts indicate that two adults sleeping nightly on a queen mattress will notice the padding, not the coils, breaking down after a period of four to six years. While the mattress will still be comfortable, it will no longer feel the way it did when first purchased.
When laying a hand on the mattress with about three pounds-force and sliding it over the mattress lumps can be felt.
When the user regularly wakes up feeling tired, stiff, achy and sore and the reason can be traced to the mattress.
When inner coils start springing out of the mattress.
When the mattress shows very visible deformities.
When the mattress has a large permanent sag in it.
When the box spring creaks and squeaks.
When the user has difficulty finding a comfortable position in which to sleep.

Types of coils

Construction-wise, most manufacturers claim to have the best coil-to-gauge ratio. However, there are only a few innerspring manufacturers and four general types. One thing to remember is that while there are many different types of coils and many manufacturers, most manufacturers have their coils made by one company, Leggett & Platt, at least in the Western Hemisphere

Bonnel coils

These are the oldest and most commonly used. They were adapted from buggy seat springs of the 19th century. They are still prevalent in low priced mattresses. They have an hour-glass shape, and the ends of the wire are knotted or wrapped around the top and bottom circular portion of the coil (round-topped and self tied).

Marshal coils

Also called “pocketed coils.” Each coil is wrapped in a fabric encasement, and is usually tempered twice, once with heat and once with electricity. The brand Simmons uses pocketed coils in their mattresses. Simmons also does some things that other brands that use pocketed coils don’t. They “pre-compress” their pocketed coil, which means that they pack the coil into a “pocket” that is shorter (usually by a couple inches) than the coil. By “pre-compressing” the coil, it becomes firmer (sort of) because the coil is already in action (it is always pushing up.) Additionally, when two people sleep on the same mattress, the individually wrapped (or individually pocketed) coil provides motion separation (when one person tosses and turns, the other doesn’t feel it.) This is important because when one person tosses and turns, it may not completely wake the other person, but, it can take them out of a deep sleep which is when the body does all of its regeneration.

Offset coils

Bonnell coils evolved into Offset coils, which are currently popular, but happen to be the most expensive ones. They are almost identical to the Bonnell coils, except that the top and bottom circular part of the coils have flat or straight sides, which allow for better hinging action when they are placed together in a spring unit, and which can be easily aligned. An evolution of the offset coils brought the elimination of the knot that tied the end of the wire to the coil. In other words, offset coils might be tied off or feature a loose end (sensory arm). These are called “open end offset coils”. These improvements gave offset coils an extra turn of working wire for greater spring action on each end of the coil.

Continuous coil

They look like double wire spirals or loose ringlets, creating a network of wire running nonstop through the entire bed. The brand Serta uses continuous coils in their mattresses. Kingsdown also uses such a system. The idea is that with a continuous coil system, each coil is connected to the next so that it can draw strength from it. This type of coil system does tend to be the strongest, however we must remember that strength does not dictate support.

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

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

Happy Birthday Ira

Do you really need a new mattress. When you arise in the morning does your body ache? Body aches after resting the night on an innerspring mattress is a strong indication that it may be time to start looking for a new mattress. But the signs of a mattress loosing its shape and comfort can be detected sooner.

These simple tests can help you discover if your mattress is still giving you the comfort you need:

Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under the small of your back. If it is very easy and your shoulders and hips are uncomfortable, you may want to consider a new mattress.
Try to roll over. If it is a lot of effort your mattress may be too soft and a new mattress may be a solution for a more comfortable night’s sleep, and well rested awakening in the morning.

Another sign of a mattress losing its comfort is when it takes longer to feel rested as you start to sleep later and later. Staying a couple of hours longer in bed can extend the result a poorly performing mattress that wouldn’t otherwise be noticed with a shorter or normal sleep period.

Once you have decided that your mattress is no longer giving you the comfort that it should give, the search for a new mattress commences. The quality of a mattress is recognizable by the following:

Quality Mattress Indicators

Durability
Quality materials which are well put together are a sign of durability, but more importantly is the warrantees given which are a sign of how long the factory believes the life expectancy of the mattress is. Depending on the price level of the mattress, warranties should be for 5 years for promotional priced queen beds ($199 to $599), 10 years for middle of the road quality ($699 to $999), 15 years for premium quality ($1,199 to $2,999) and 20 years for true luxury beds ($3,199 to $12,999).

Softness and Firmness
The required softness or firmness of a mattress is a personal preference and most people know exactly what they want. They either like a softer or harder mattress. Often weight is a consideration when choosing the firmness of a mattress. Large or very heavy adults generally prefer firmer mattresses that provide them with more support. When buying a mattress for a child, remember back problems start as the spinal cord develops, saving money now may cost you in the long run. Children generally like a softer mattress and promotionally priced twin sets have less support and more pressure points than premium priced products.

Warranty
As mentioned before, the warranty should be of considerable time, at least 5 years and up-to 20 years for true luxury beds. The duration of the warranty is just one factor. Most warranties are limited warranties and have body impressions restrictions before the manufacturer will service the product. Very few manufacturers have 100% no questions asked warranties so its very important to read the warranty before you purchase, most manufacturers have web sites with the warranty posted, do not take some ones word for it in a retail store, get it in writing and know your rights, buyer beware. Also look for things like no shipping fees in case of a problem, no repair costs, replacement mattresses for free, etc.

Space
Last but not least, space! Look for the largest mattress your room can hold and you can afford. When sleeping together with your partner, space is not only going to make your nights more comfortable, but may also keep your relationship at a healthy level. In case your buying a mattress for your child, keep in mind that your child will outgrow a short mattress. A 74 inch mattress length may be great now, but ten years from now their feet may be floating in the air.

Once you have purchased your mattress, maintenance is important to make your mattress last as long as specified by the manufacturers guarantee. The following tips are helpful to make your mattress last longer:

Can-Flip Innerspring mattresses should be turned over and rotated monthly.
No-Flip Innerspring mattress should be rotated bi-monthly.
All foam mattresses should be rotated monthly.
Never wet an innerspring or all foam mattresses. Use a vacuum cleaner for regular cleaning.
The handles on a mattress are there for positioning and should not be used to lift or carry the mattress.
Obviously, do not try to fold or bend an innerspring mattress, luxury foam mattresses are bendable.
Sitting on the edge of innerspring or all foam mattresses is not good for its durability. Mattresses are designed to carry the weight of a person lying down and not to support somebody sitting on the edge for long periods of time.
Make sure the mattress is placed on a matching foundation and 5-leg bed frame for queen sizes or larger. All foam mattresses are heaver than traditional innerspring, so foundations are very important, the wrong type will cost you your warranty. A mattress is only as good as its foundation no mater what you spend.

A mattress is the place where you spend about 30% of your lifetime during those moments that comfort is of your highest priority. Knowing the important factors is essential. Children that get a better nights sleep do better in school and are easier to manage. Adults health is mostly determined by the quality of rest they receive especially in high stress work places. Buying online is an excellent way to purchase a new mattress as long as the company offers 100% no non-sense comfort guarantees with no re-stocking and shipping charges.

About the author:

Thomas Jay Wacker is the General Manager and V.P. of http://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

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

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

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

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

You’ll sleep better. You’ll live better.

But before you go smashing your piggy bank to spend everything on the first memory foam mattress you see, realize that not all memory foam mattresses are the same: they vary in density, thickness, and overall quality. Densities range from 2.5 pounds per cubic foot to 5 pounds per cubic foot in most cases, and as high as 5.3 or more for some of the premium brands. Denser mattresses tend to be more expensive because more raw material goes into them, and because fabricating them requires a finer science.

Denser mattresses are firmer and respond better to those who are thinner with more protruding bone structures, while mattresses that are less dense are softer and tend to do a better job at cradling curvier forms. If you do not tend to move around much while falling asleep, a denser mattress is ideal. For those who toss and turn a bit, a less dense mattress is the better choice. Do keep in mind that your tossing and turning may not actually be your natural way of sleeping, but rather a result of inadequate bedding. A middle-density memory foam mattress – about 4 pounds can accommodate a range of sleepers. Low-density memory foam mattresses (2.5-3.5 pounds per cubic foot) can sometimes “bottom out” and usually aren’t worth the lower price.

As memory foam mattresses have gained in popularity, more luxurious (meaning thicker) beds have become more common. Your basic memory foam mattress uses a 5″ base layer with a couple inches of foam at the top for any size, be it twin, twin-long, full-size, queen, king, or California king. More luxurious mattresses have a 6″ base with an extra inch or two of top padding, for a more responsive feel, and these mattresses are the most popular memory foam beds. The top-of-the-line models also have a 6″ base, but include extra top layering, for maximum responsiveness.

If you’re looking to save money, finding a good discount memory foam mattress can be a difficult proposition. For a quality product, Consumer Reports recommends you spend at least $450 for a twin bed, $600 for a full-size bed, $800 for a queen, $1000 for a king, and about $1200 for a California king.

Major manufacturers tightly regulate retail pricing on their products. However, if you go through a smaller dealer or retailer, either at a brick-and-mortar location or online, you might be able to get the salesperson to throw in a free memory foam pillow, free shipping, or some other additional value to seal the deal.

Otherwise, if you are looking to save money on a memory foam mattress, try a manufacturer that makes lower-density mattresses. The quality will be lower than a denser mattress, but it might well be an improvement over the rusty bedsprings to which you’ve subjected yourself in the past.

About the Author

Memory Foam Info provides detailed information on memory foam mattresses, mattress pads, pillows, slippers, and dog beds, as well as memory foam product reviews. Memory Foam Info is the sister site of Mattresses Web.

Written By: Eric Morris

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