Archive for the ‘Mattresses’ Category

To Spring or Not to Spring? A Mattress Buying Guide

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

When shopping for a new mattress it’s important to carefully consider materials and how they relate to your overall sleeping comfort. 

A basic inner spring mattress has three main components:  the foundation, the spring core, and the upholstery.  The core is the part of the mattress that supports your body as you sleep; the springs in the core are usually made of steel, though some manufacturers have begun using individually wrapped coils for increased comfort.  The foundation of most inner spring beds is a metal box spring, wooden platform, wooden or metal slats.  Some makers add a layer of thick block foam under the steel coils to create a firmer foundation.  The upholstery layer covers the mattress and provides extra cushioning for added comfort.

Whether you’re in the market for a new mattress or not, you’ve probably heard of memory foam mattresses or viscoelastic foam.  Developed by NASA in the US more than three decades ago, this material has become a popular choice for mattress manufacturers.  With less give than traditional inner spring mattresses, memory foam holds its shape and moulds to your body as you sleep.  These beds are ideal for couples, as there is very little transfer of motion, allowing both partners to sleep in independent comfort.  Critics, however, claim that sleeping on a memory foam mattress is akin to lying on hard, wet sand.

The only way to determine which material is right for you is to test out several different mattress models before you commit to a purchase.

Stylish Beds for the whole family!

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Choosing the right beds for your home can be something of a challenge. There are so many types and designs on the market and so much to consider when buying one.

You must think about functionality as well as personal preferences when choosing cheap beds, as these are not only items of furniture that tend to dominate the room, but also very practical objects in which you’ll be spending much of your life.

You can expect a mattress to last ten years at the minimum, so it’s a real investment and you need to consider a few things before buying. Most mattresses consist of fabrics arranged in layers around a core of springs. The springs may be open in arrangement or come in separate pockets of fabric. The latter are more comfortable, because they respond individually to pressure, so if you have trouble sleeping this type of mattress may suit you best. Natural latex mattresses are good for people with back and joint or respiratory problems, because as well as moulding to body shape for extra support they are hypoallergenic and anti-microbial. Memory foam mattresses offer the ultimate in support, but are a little more expensive.

As far as the actual bed frame is concerned, space will usually be the deciding factor, closely followed by personal taste. If you are considering wooden beds, metal beds or even leather beds, you won’t be short of options and the kids might decide the matter for you, as bunk beds are very popular as children’s beds.

Inner Spring or Foam Mattress?

Friday, August 20th, 2010

A good night’s sleep is something thousands of people chase. Some are side sleepers, some back sleepers, and some sleep on their stomachs.  Some toss and turn all night, never waking; others toss and turn because they can’t get to sleep. Some folks are heavy; some barely make a dent in the mattress. Some people sleep on a traditional inner spring mattress, and some wonder about the new memory foam mattresses.  Which is better for you?

No one mattress is right for everyone—but beyond that, all bets are off. Both types of mattresses are available in all sizes, so they can be purchased for everything from children’s beds to divan beds to king size four-poster beds. But inner spring mattresses tend to be firmer than foam mattresses, especially those with a higher spring count.  You don’t want an inner spring mattress that’s too firm; anything that flattens your spine from its normal curve will leave you with a backache.

That brings us to foam mattresses. These are being hailed as the answer to back pain, and for many people, they are. Yet some find them too soft, allowing their spine to curve too much, and leaving them with a backache in the morning.

So the truth is, there’s no one answer that’s perfect for everyone. If you have joint pain, arthritis, or have experienced backaches after sleeping on an inner spring mattress, try a memory foam mattress and see if it offers relief. But the opposite is also true; if a foam mattress hasn’t had you counting sheep on a regular basis, try a good, supportive inner spring mattress and see if that doesn’t help.

Your back, your health, and your mental acuity are worth spending some time to find the perfect bed for you.