Mattress Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the author:

Doug Mahopac specializes in Clocks http://www.i-cuckoo-clocks.com

Written By: Doug Mahopac

Mattresses and marriage go hand in hand. Sleep is important to all of us, even the honeymooners. A good night sleep is critical for our performance the next day and for our health and well being in general. If the couple is not used to sleeping together, there will be just the issues of getting used to sleeping with someone. You don’t need the extra strain and complications of a mattress that is uncomfortable for one or both parties. My comfort in bed may not be yours. I like a soft mattress even though I have a bad back. My husband likes something that is more firm. There are mattresses on the market that boast the capability of adjusting the firmness to each persons preference. That sounds great, but these mattresses arent inexpensive. In fact, most mattresses and box spring sets will set you back a few bills. In order for your chances of a better night sleep to be greater, I strongly advise for the new couple to pick out the mattress together instead of one person bringing a mattress into the marriage. That also feels better doesnt it? I dont like the idea of a used mattress coming into a marriage. This should be new just as the marriage is new. If the couple shops together for the new mattress set, there is a better chance they will find one that fits both their needs. Do the rest test in the store as most retailers wont let you take one home and then return it; they frown on that from a hygienic aspect.

The Better Sleep Council recommends six things you should consider before buying the mattress:
Support is critical as you should have a mattress that keeps your spine in a good standing posture.
Make sure the comfort level is such where you feel you can be close to each other without bothering one another.

You expect your mattress to last a long time as it is not an inexpensive purchase. Keep turning it, and vacuum it off occasionally. If you are concerned about dust mites, you may even want to encase it in plastic. Ask yourself in a few years if it is still supportive and comfortable to you. If not, you might want to opt for a new set.

Buy the right size. If you need space as we all do, opt for at least a queen size bed. King-size mattresses are unwieldy and will take up more space in a master bedroom, but you might require more room, especially if you and your mate are tall or heavy set.

Do buy a matching sleep set. These are made for each other and you wont get the wear from the mattress you desire if you dont match it up to the box spring.

Buy the best that you can afford. Now is not the time to skimp on a purchase because a cheap mattress will not be comfortable at all. It wont take you long in the rest test to tell the comfortable mattresses from the ones that feel like cardboard. Check out http://www.bedding-4u/Mattresses.htm for more tips.

Mattresses and marriage are made to stay together. We spend so much of our life in bed that we need to have the most comfortable, supportive mattress on the market that we can afford. Isnt this like the partner you have chosen? They are supportive and comfortable to be with so mattresses and marriage can truly be a match made in heaven.

About the author:

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

Written By: Beverly Marshall

There are some factors that have to be considered when buying futon mattresses. For example, the weight of the mattress will determine the ease of reconfiguring the futon sofa into a bed. Secondly, the rigidity of the futon mattress will also govern how the mattress folds over the frame when it’s used as a couch or chair. Check out the rigidity rating before buying one. Thick futon mattresses of about 8 or 9 inches in thickness are ideal for regular use.

Futon mattresses need a lot of care than conventional ones. They should be turned every time the sheets are changed, and be aired out frequently to prevent quick wearing. Mattress pads should also be considered which protects the futon from moisture and dust. Vacuuming, scrubbing and washing with laundry detergent and water can really help keep your futon mattress in a good shape.

Here are some of the best Futon mattresses available on the market that you might want to consider when shopping:

Elite CR Comfy Premier 3000 Jr. Twin Ottoman Futon Mattress: The Comfy Premier 3000 has four layers of specially blended cotton, with a triple Foam core for extra resilience. It is also precision-tufted to keep the futon mattress contents from shifting, and has a fiber content of PolyCotton Blend, Polyester, Foam, and Cotton. The Comfy Premier 3000 costs around $40. There is also the Comfy Foam 1000 which features two layers of specially blended cotton with resilient Foam core. It’s also precision-tufted, and with the same fiber content.

Simmons Futon Mattress: Simmons is one of the largest futon manufacturers, which offers futon mattresses and frames in chair, full, Loveseat, and queen sizes. Their futon mattress products are characterized by the traditional Pocketed Coil system, layered cotton and foam construction.

Simmons Best Rest Genteel Futon Mattress is a No flip construction never requires turning, designed to bear the constant folding and unfolding, with individual pockets that contain the steel coils allow the unit to bend and fold, making a more resilient sleep surface. It also features the Simmons pocketed coil inner-spring topped with convoluted foam and cotton, and costs around $300.

Simmons Deep Sleep Elegance Futon Mattress is the popular mattress in the Simmons series. It features two layers of plush convoluted foam, four layers of half-inch foam, and two layers of our custom cotton-poly blend. The manufacturer suggests using it mostly for seating. It costs around $150.

Wolf futon Latex Plush: This futon mattress is constructed with 3 batts of Dura-Ease cotton, 2 batts of Polyester, 2 layers of 1″ synthetic latex foam, 2 layers of 2 1/2″ plush, convoluted finger foam for plush and 23 machine laced tufts. It is considered to be the softest and most plush mattress of all the Wolf Mattresses, which costs around $280.

Gemini Futon frame cushioning system: features Pressurized Construction, a twill fabric to hold the tuft in the mattress, convoluted 4 pound density foam, Tape Edge Closure to present a clean tailored look, and Compression Lace Tufting to compress, strengthen and control the overstuffed cushioning materials. The futon mattress is available for about $500.

Fu-Chest Futon Mattress: is designed to fit the Fu-Chest bed, featuring a seven-layer filling with a fire-retardant natural cotton/polyester duck cover. The medium-firm mattress is tufted to keep the futon mattress contents from shifting even after repeated folding. It is available in twin and full sizes, and costs around $140.

About the author:

Futons are stylish, functional, and versatile; they can be integrated into nearly any setting.

Written By: Carl Walker

Adjustable beds, also known as Semi-Fowler beds, can be adjusted in position to suit the requirements of the user. Those who have medical conditions that require them to sleep in certain positions generally use adjustable beds. They may be also used by those who are temporarily or permanently bed-ridden to make them sleep more comfortably. Sometimes, even those without medical needs can use adjustable beds just to have a comfortable sleep.

Adjustable beds can be altered into a comfortable position as per the sleepers requirements. They are very comfortable for reading or for watching TV in bed. They are also ideal for people who have bad sleeping problems due to stress, body strain or other discomforts. As the adjustable beds can be molded according to the persons body structure, they provide utmost comfort and relaxation. Adjustable beds are also very strong and can support weights of more than 600 pounds.

Adjustable beds are made in two styles: standard or heavy-duty. Adjustable beds are comprised of two main components: the base and the mattress. There are several features to be considered while buying an adjustable bed: the size of the mattress (twin, queen, king or full) and the type of mattress (foam, latex, coil spring or air). Ordinary mattresses cannot be used on adjustable beds. The mattresses for adjustable beds are also specially designed to suit the human body. This helps to relieve strain on certain parts of the body and proper spinal alignment. They are also provided with adjustable rails on either side.

Adjustable beds come in various guises -the pocket spring mattress or the modern foam mattresses. Adjustable beds can be electronically controlled through a controller. The head, neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, hips, thighs, legs and feet can be comfortably positioned on the bed by adjusting the different parts of the bed. This can be done by the simple touch of a button.

There are several health benefits from adjustable beds. Adjustable beds ease swelling of the legs or edema and ease back pain. They relieve soreness of the body and sooth next and shoulder tension. They also offset acid reflux and nighttime heartburn. They provide relief for certain parts of the body such as the neck, the spine and the knees. Adjustable beds are especially useful for people who have degenerative spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, asthma, phlebitis, varicose veins, back pain or neck pain. They are also ideal for people who have just undergone surgery. Adjustable beds also make it easier to get in and out of bed; relieve the heart muscle to make breathing easier; soothe stomach muscles and aid in proper digestion; and are also ideal for passive back stretching, etc. Some adjustable beds also have built-in massaging motors in the automatic as well as manual modes.

There are many kinds of adjustable beds in the market, which can be chosen as per the personal requirements of the user. There is no single type of adjustable bed that is suitable for everyone. Professional medical advice can also be sought before buying an adjustable bed. The right kind of bed is all the more important for people who are bed-ridden or to those who have to remain in bed for long hours. Adjustable beds are also available for children with disabilities.

About the Author

Adjustable Beds Info provides detailed information on electric, medical, cheap, and used adjustable beds, as well as adjustable air beds and adjustable bed reviews. Adjustable Beds Info is the sister site of Massage Chairs Web.

Written By: Jimmy Sturo

There was a time when mankind did not sleep on beds. When we were still cavemen, we would sleep on treetops or even on the floor. Since then, we have evolved into quite sophisticated creatures and therefore require a more comfortable way of resting. Throughout the years, the bed became one of the most useful pieces of furniture in the house. Beds can be used for sleeping, resting, reading, sewing, and even eating!

The First Beds

Ten thousand years ago, in the Neolithic period, the first “beds” were made. They were probably straw or hay on large stones. In 3400 BC, the Egyptian pharaoh King Tut had a bed of ebony and gold, while the common people slept on palm bows stashed in the corner of their rooms. The first true luxury beds came along with the Roman Empire.

The Emperors, with all their wealth acquired beds decorated with gold, silver or bronze with mattresses stuffed with feathers, hay, wool, or reeds. The Romans were also the discoverers of the most-famous waterbed. They would lay back on a cradle of warm water until almost falling asleep to then be lifted onto another cradle with a mattress next to it, where they would be rocked asleep.

Modern Beds

The Dark Ages came and mattresses pretty much followed suit. But then the Renaissance came along and made bed making a bit more sophisticated. They would stuff mattresses of coarse tick with pea shucks, straw, or feathers to then be covered by rich velvet, brocades and silk. In the 16th and 17th centuries, mattresses were placed upon a latticework of rope. That is how the expression “sleep tight” came around, for the tighter the rope, the more comfortable the bed would be.

In the 18th century the iron bed structure was invented along with the use of cotton for stuffing mattresses. These two inventions together provided an almost bug-free sleeping environment. At that time, bed bugs were seen as completely normal even in the most luxurious beds. In 1865 the first coil spring bed structure was patented.

Beds in the 20th Century

In the 1930′s innerspring mattresses were introduced to the North American market along with upholstered foundations. Since then they have become contenders for the dominant position in North America.

In the ’40s, the Japanese couch-bed named a futon was introduced into the American market. It was a tremendous hit due to its practical utility.

In the ’50s foam rubber mattresses and pillows entered the bed and by the ’60s the modern waterbed was introduced.

Adjustable beds were also a big hit amongst consumers. The 1980s were ultimately modernity-obsessed as the airbed exploded into the market. This practical item is greatly used while camping or traveling.

In the 1990s space became a big issue once again, as it was in the 16th and 17th centuries. Twin size beds were outsold by queen size beds.

Now in the 2000s we have a brilliant mattress-making future ahead of us. With all the technology in our hands, beds can become just another extension of the human body. There are now beds that have built-in TVs, computers, videogames, trays, adjustable inclinations, “memory foam” that reads the shape of your body to fully attend to your orthopaedic needs. The top luxury choice nowadays is the pillow top mattress, which has an extra-soft layer of cushioning.

Everything just for the best bed!

About the author:

Michael Russell – Your Independent guide to Beds

Written By: Michael Russell