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Video: 10 Tips to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

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Video: One Minute Mattress Feng Shui

This month is Baby Safety Month and everyone is encouraged to observe this by becoming aware and vigilant of the dangers cribs pose to infants.

The following are some guidelines CPSC says we should observe with when it comes to Baby Safety:

— To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, place baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib that meets current safety standards.

– To prevent suffocation never use a pillow as a mattress for baby to sleep on or to prop baby’s head or neck.

– Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components, broken slats and other parts of the crib and their head and neck become entrapped in the space.

- Do not use old, broken or modified cribs.

- Regularly tighten hardware to keep sides firm.

– Infants can suffocate in spaces between the sides of the crib and an ill-fitting mattress; never allow a gap larger than two finger widths at any point between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

– Never place a crib near a window with blind or curtain cords; infants can strangle on the cords.

The role of the CPSC is to make sure that the public is protected from risk and injuries that may lead to death and are caused by products below quality.

The CPSC encourages you to report any incidence related to this via the hotline at (800) 638-2772 or their website.

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Keep Babies Safe in Bed this Baby Safety Month

Better Sleep Org, has a few of suggestions on mattress evaluation and mattress shopping:

1) Evaluate your current mattress to determine if it’s time for a new
one. Among other indicators, if you wake up with stiffness, aches or
pains, or if your mattress is sagging, it may be time for a new one.
2) Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make the best purchase for
you. Just as with any other major purchase, it’s important to do
your homework. Visit http://www.bettersleep.org to learn about
important ‘mattressology’ terms before you shop.
3) Shop to find the right mattress to suit your individual needs. Be
sure to test drive the mattress in the store by lying down on it (in
your typical sleep position) for at least fifteen minutes.
4) Ensure that you protect your new mattress by purchasing its matching
foundation (boxspring), supporting it with a sturdy bed frame and
covering it with a quality mattress pad that will keep it fresh and
clean.

Doing these steps have apparently helped some people enjoy the best sleep they’ve had in years.

Via Earth Times

Photo from Bedzine

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How to achieve the best sleep with your mattress

A futon mattress requires extra care, because it’s a double purpose bed. It’s one made as lightweight as possible because it’s folded as a sofa seater. Hence, it’s twice as susceptible to wear and tear. The thickest a futon mattress gets is about 10 inches and nothing more.

Airing out and turning futon mattresses must be regular for maintenance and to keep it in the best shape. Vacuuming is also necessary to keep it fresh and clean. Nobody wants to sleep in a dirty mattress.

To keep your futon mattress protected, invest in a really good mattress topper for it. This way, the futon will last you years and years of comfort.

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You need more care for futon mattresses

Bedbugger lists some FAQs you should be aware before considering doing your own treatment vis a vis hiring someone’s service.

Disadvantages of doing it yourself:

• You can harm yourself, others, and pets.
• You can spread bugs to others in your building — and then they will come back, rendering your work pointless. (Never, ever use a bug bomb to treat bed bugs!)
• You can spend a lot of money but the problem can get bigger and harder to get rid of. Meaning, in the end, you saved nothing, and are suffering much longer.
• If you’re a renter, in most places your landlord is required to pay for and obtain a PCO.

You can refer to this lengthy post and discussion for more insights.

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Should you hire a professional for Bed Bug Treatment?

Pillow and mattress encasements are very essential right now, as they have allergen barriers that work to filter dust and other triggers. Look for encasements made of cotton fabric as these are best providers of cool comfort as well as breathability. You will get lots of good sleep with this.

Allergens are microscopic and are dust borne. Frequently replacing sheets on the bed and cleaning the mattress isn’t only for effective maintenance, but this is also tantamount to good health and hygiene.

There are over a million allergy sufferers in the US alone. Doing necessary steps to prevent triggers starts with the self.

Photo from: Keetsa Mattress Protector

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Be Allergy Proof for Fall

Below is a list of most common toxins that are proven very harmful to the baby. Take note of these names and be on the lookout when buying your baby’s new crib mattress:

• PVC is short for polyvinylchloride which are said to contain mercury and phthalates, the effect of which are permanent and lifelong.
• Phtalates - it causes asthma and cancer, reportedly. The substance has been banned by US government.
• Boric Acid - in most cotton mattresses; boric acid supposedly casuses cancer.
• DEHP - similar to Phtalates, this substance is not allowed in the UK.
• pentaBDE - found in fire retardants and most common to polyurethane foam.
• Pesticides - which is an ingredient to some latex mattresses.

Photo from Organic Baby Warehouse, a safe mattress choice for your growing babies.

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A list of common mattress toxins in crib mattresses

According to this report from MSNBC, this is not an isolated problem and school officials have to deal with keeping bed bugs at bay yearly, to the tune of thousands of dollars.

Schools such as Stanford and Ohio State have had to clear out dormitories to deal with the scourge in recent years — and last year, Texas A&M had to empty its coffers of $27,000 to transport bedbug-sniffing dogs and high-heat treatments to rid dorms of the insects. The University of Florida is baking dorm mattresses at 113 degrees-plus to kill their bedbug populace.

It’s a problem that not only school officials have to solve. Even incoming students have to do their part. It is their bed space after all.

We here at Mattresszine have been offering solutions to this problem since last month. Do check these links for our preventive tips and suggestions:

• Making College Dorm Beds More Comfortable
• The Cleanest Mattress Encasement
• Preparing for College Dorm Life
• Bedding Needs Checklist for College

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Bed Bugs Infest Campuses

Take care of your back and avoid unnecessary back pain with the right kind of mattress. Spinehealth has these tips to choosing the right one to prevent back pains.

1. Personal preference should ultimately determine what mattress is best. There is no single mattress style or type that works for all people with low back pain. Any mattress that helps someone sleep without pain and stiffness is the best mattress for that individual.

2. Understand and inquire about the physical components of the mattress. The coils or inner springs of a mattress provide the support. Different mattresses vary in their number and arrangement of coils. Padding on top of the mattress comes in many different thicknesses.

3. Find a mattress with back support. A good mattress should provide support for the natural curves and alignment of the spine. The right amount of back support also helps the patient avoid muscle soreness in the morning. While there is not much clinical data about mattresses, one study found that medium-firm mattresses usually provide more back pain relief than firm mattresses.

4. Achieve a balance between back support and comfort. Overall comfort while sleeping on the mattress is equally important as sufficient back support. Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm can cause aches and pains on pressure points. A medium-firm mattress may be more comfortable because it allows the shoulder and hips to sink in slightly. Patients who want a firmer mattress for back support can get one with thicker padding for greater comfort.

5. Know when it’s time to get a new mattress. If an old mattress sags visibly in the middle or is no longer comfortable, it is probably time to purchase a new one..

6. Shop for the best value and quality of the mattress rather than for price. Mattresses with more coils and thicker padding tend to be higher quality and also more expensive; however, a higher price does not guarantee that the mattress is more comfortable or more supportive.

7. There has not been extensive medical research or controlled clinical trials on the topic of mattresses and low back pain. The individual must determine whether or not extra features on a mattress make it more comfortable or supportive.

8. Give the mattress a test-run before buying. When shopping at the store, shoppers should lay on the mattress for several minutes to decide if it is a good fit. If two people will be sleeping on the mattress, both should test it at the same time to make sure they have enough space and are both comfortable on the same style of mattress.

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Back Pain Relief Tips

Confused about the different types of mattress pad in the market? Here’s a brief definition:

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Defining different types of mattress pads

— Don’t sag in bed: A sagging mattress that’s lost its resilience inhibits the body’s normal inclination to gently move around during sleep, and your muscles require movement to stay healthy. In effect, a little tossing and turning at night is good for you. “If you’re sleeping on a mattress that’s as old as your teenager, it’s time for a replacement,” says Dr. Marcus.

– Don’t watch television or read when you’re lying down in bed. When you lift your head to view the screen — or raise your arms to hold a book you generate an isometric contraction that strains your muscles and can cause pain in your neck, head or shoulders. To watch TV or read in bed, sit up with your back supported by the headboard and your knees bent.

To read the National Pain Foundation interview with Dr. Marcus, visit this.

His institute’s website is also found here.

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Norman Marcus Pain Institue: Preventing Back Pain Tips

With twin mattresses, wearing down usually start in the middle area (the hip section).

With queen or full size mattresses, wear may start at both sides going to the center, where the sagging areas will both meet and become one big uncomfortable space. Two people sleeping in a mattress like this will likely have difficulty maintaining a good sleeping position on their side of the bed.

With king size mattress, wear is similar to having two separate twin mattresses.

A bed lift system should correct this early. There are many choices for inflatable mattress remedies available in the market.

Of course, proper care and maintenance must also be exercised. Check these posts for some tips on mattress care.

• Importance of Mattress Covers
• SC Johnson’s Summer Care Tips
• Mattress Cleaning Tips from Mrs Clean
• More practical mattress care tips
• Protecting Your Mattress

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Detecting and Preventing Early Mattress Wear and Tear

As a freshman entering college, be sure to have these essentials prepared:

• A good set of bed sheets. Your parents should be aware of what size to purchase. They know that college dorms usually have taller mattresses, at least five inches longer than standard twin sizes. Bargain stores have a lot of properly fitting sheets with simple but decorative designs. They’re mostly of good quality but hoard as much as you need of those made with 200 thread count at least.
• A dust mite protector like a mattress cover or mattress encasement. You will definitely need this as college dorm beds are haven for dust mites. Choose hypoallergenic ones, mattress covers usually are anyway. They are also washable via machine, so it’s easy to care for it.
• A mattress pad for comfort. College dorm beds may have mattresses that are old and lumpy. Adding an extra pad on top should solve the problem of becoming comfortable. Don’t go for cheap ones for this. At least get one that’s trusted when it comes to durability.

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Making College Dorm Beds More Comfortable

Leggett & Platt supports the studies done by Kansas State University’s Institute for Environmental Research saying that in warmer climates and environments or during the hot summer months, an innerspring mattress offer better cooling capacity than a memory foam or an air mattress. The studies reveal that innerspring mattresses “dissipate heat approximately 28 percent* better than non-innerspring sleep surfaces. “

According to Leggett & Platt’s engineer/physicist, “In our analysis of this testing data, we found that innerspring mattresses encourage evaporative heat dissipation nearly one-third better than visco-foam or air chamber sleep surfaces, therefore offering the coolest sleeping environment of the three.”

Why is this piece of information important to us? Because as further studies have revealed, when our body temperature rises because of heat, we will have a hard time getting sleep and relaxing in bed. Staying cooler will help us go into a deeper slumber better.

This is something to consider the next time we think of shopping for a new mattress.

Via Bedroom Magazine

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For Leggett & Platt: Coils Mean Cooler Sleeping

Here are some practical tips to handling memory foam mattresses:

Memory foam doesn’t need other bedding accessories like electric blankets. You only need standard sheets.

Wash its cover regularly but never hose down or douse the actual memory foam in water.

Keep tags on, it’s your warranty coverage. Removing it might not qualify you for other services extended by the company who has manufactured your mattress.

It’s common knowledge, memory foam mattresses emit residual odors and have the tendency to off-gas. This isn’t something harmful though and airing it out usually helps with the problem. If you have a brand new memory foam, take the time to air this first before settling in the bedroom.

Memory foam mattresses are sensitive to humidity so during transport the temperature inside the vehicle may have some effect on it. It might be a good idea to let the memory foam settle at room temperature first before prying the mattress out in the open as this may damage it.

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Tips on Taking Care of Your Brand New Memory Foam Mattress

While there is more to play around with in this case, this is actually quite a challenge for some designers or homeowners. Going overboard with the decoration may create a sleeping area that’s just too busy, it actually drains the energy of the bedroom. If you have too many pillows on the mattress, you’ll crowd the space and there might not be enough room to sleep at all. But to do away with less accessories, may mean ending up with a really boring bed.

The key is in moderation. Have a moderate number of pillows — at least two pairs for sleeping and 3 or four more extra pillows in different sizes for decoration. If you should need bolster pillows, cover them in less conspicuous fabric so that it can blend in the background. Do you need a bed spread? A bed cover? Shams? Bed skirts? Choose colors and fabrics that don’t scream attention. The decorations have to blend together. That’s why some of these already come in sets so it’s easier to coordinate.

Image from Outblush

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Making a large mattress more homey

Bed Bath and Beyond has this very comprehensive tips for both incoming college students and parents. I’ll highlight the ones that relate to mattress needs:

– Check it Off. Use a comprehensive checklist to figure out what you need to buy and what you can take from home. Bedbathandbeyond.com offers a checklist broken down by category.

– Split it Up. Students should reach out to their roommates before they shop to decide who is bringing what so they avoid bringing (and buying) duplicates.

– Check it Out. Before you shop, check with your college or university on the size of your mattress. Is it a twin or extra long twin? It would be a shame to buy the perfect sheets and then find out they are too small.

– Don’t Drive Yourself Nuts! Gone are the days of bungee cording the trunk closed. Bed Bath & Beyond stores offer a unique “Pack & Hold”(TM) service that eliminates the hassle of packing the car. Students simply shop at a store near home and then pick the items up at a store near their college, or choose to have the items shipped directly to their school.

– Don’t Forget to Make Your Bed. When you get to your dorm room, cover your mattress with a mattress protector, a quilted mattress pad, a feather bed, and finally new sheets and comforter. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping at a four star hotel, not the freshman quad.

– Don’t Panic. As prepared as you are, chances are you will forget something. Relax … bedbathandbeyond.com offers a college/store locator that makes it easy to find the store closest to your college to get the things most likely forgotten, such as hangers, extension cords and surge protectors.

Via Bed Bath and Beyond

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Preparing for College Dorm Life

The top layer of the mattress is the most vulnerable part. It takes everything — bodily sweats and fluids, dust, wear and tear. Providing a decent cover somehow cushions it, making its quality last longer.

Having a mattress cover is also hygienic. If you are sleeping in the same mattress sans the cover for years and years, think of how much bacteria, dust mites, microorganisms and allergens remain and thrive there.

In choosing the right mattress cover, it’s best to go for materials or fabrics which are most absorbent, as it also helps in providing you quality sleep.

Mattress covers could be anything from mattress protectors, bed sets, bed linens, bed sheets, quilts and other types of beddings.

With mattress covers, you get to enjoy your mattress better and longer.

Photo: Pottery Barn Sheets

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The Importance of Mattress Covers

If the box spring is still in good working condition with cracks and rips absent from the it, then maybe spoiling for a new box spring aside from the new mattress may not be needed. But do suggests to also consider what Better Sleep Council says:

A mattress and foundation are engineered to work together as a set, and the foundation takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the bed’s overall comfort and support. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation, pairing it with a foundation it wasn’t designed to work with or adding a board between the mattress and foundation will impede comfort and reduce the useful life of your new mattress. It may also affect the manufacturer’s warranty coverage.

Before buying a mattress do make the best informed choice first before anything.

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Mattress and Box springs

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How to buy a mattress - Tip from the Bedman

Some mattress topper have little side garter belts to tuck in between the mattress. In the absence of this, you can purchase the very same garter belts in any home center or department store.

On the other hand, I prefer to look for a mattress topper which already has a velour cover. It makes it easier.

Other kinds of covers are usually the culprit as to why the topper is slipping.  A quick solution? Remove the covers, place the mattress topper on top of a bare main mattress and cover these altogether with a fitted sheet.

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Mattress Toppers that don’t slip

Sateen is a very smooth material made from cotton. It’s used more popularly for bed sheets and feels cooler on the skin.

Satin is also a smooth material coming from either rayon, silk or nylon sources. It is characteristically shiny and would be best used for accents like pillows and throws.

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Confused between sateen and satin sheets

In choosing the right mattress and pillow it must be…

Ergonomic Mattress:

• Designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when you lay down.
• Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and enhance sleep quality.
• Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.

Ergonomic Pillows:

• Designed to keep the spine in natural alignment.
• Designed for maximum adjustability.
• Designed with the ability to be fluffed to fit the unique contour, shape, and sleeping posture of the user.
• Designed to support different sleep positions.
• Designed to support the head.
• Designed to provide tactile softness.
• Designed to eliminate pressure points.
• Designed to increase facial air circulation.
• Designed as hypoallergenic.

Via Cornell University Hotel Ergonomics

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Ergonomic Mattress and Pillows

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Making Your Bed With The Right Pillows and Linens

Your bedroom should be a safe haven, but unfortunately more and more research is revealing that the bedroom may be one of the most toxic places in the home. Consider that the average conventional mattress contains more toxic chemicals than a 50 gallon oil drum, and that our skin, the largest organ of the body, is also the most porous entry point. It is no wonder that chemicals found in mattresses, known to cause toxic reproductive effects, are regularly being found at significant levels in human blood samples. Walter Bader outlines the dangers of the toxic threats lurking in the home so that, armed with knowledge, you can defend yourself and your family against them.

This book features the findings of the author who had a memory foam tested in a laboratory with alarming results —- 61 chemical emissions, including the “carcinogens benzene and naphthalene”.

We’ve all got to start learning how to take care of our environment, beginning in our on homes, our bedrooms. It is for our benefit, after all.

Via Amazon

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The Toxic Bedroom

Every mattress carry a tag which has its individual product code in it. Removing this is not advisable as it potentially voids the warranty. For manufacturers, removing the tags would have to be considered illegal. When you buy a mattress, you normally get a warranty card along with it, like most appliances.

When you buy a mattress, ensure that your bed frame will be able to offer proper support for it because a bad bed frame may quickly contribute to the mattress’ deterioration.

Consider getting mattress covers and protectors to extend its quality. In most stores, any type of stain in the mattress may mean a void warranty, so make sure to avoid this.

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Getting the most off your mattress warranty

For one thing….you’d probably have to get another mattress not long after. Do used mattresses have warranties? Not always and not especially.

Used mattress come with nasty bed bugs….if you buy these, expect to pay more than their worth for treatments and cleaning. Not to mention the fact that you may have to also pay for doctors treatment as a result of this.

Used mattresses have body imprints. As someone has already slept on it for two-three years, their mattress may have their body built cushioned already. You might not get the best support from it.

So, investing in a new mattress is the better way to go. It’s a more practical choice, in the long run.

Photo from Keetsa Mattress Tea Leaf Select

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Money Spent Wisely: Why you should always buy mattress new.

• Avoid dumping used towels and other wet items on the mattress.
• Have a mattress pad. It prevents staining and other dangers to your mattress (like someone jabbing a pencil on to it, perhaps).
• As in the case above, mattress covers are therefore essential to a child’s bed.
• Stained mattress? Have them cleaned right away, don’t allow the stain to settle.
• Vacuum your mattress regularly.
• Relish in the spring sunshine. Air your mattress out regularly, too.
• Flip your futons every other week.
• Don’t allow kids to jump on the bed.

Mattress in photo: Keetsa’s Pillow Soft Mattress

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How do you extend the life of your mattress?

As you go over your bedroom and do your spring cleaning, don’t forgot to also focus on the mattress and bed frame. Have you checked your bed frame for cracks and balance? Have you tried tossing your mattresses? Airing it out? Is the mattress already sagging? Check for wear and tear, and repair them if needed. Buy new toppers, or if the budget allows, a completely new mattress. Change to a more absorbent cotton sheet, as the weather may tend to become a bit warmer already.

Spring…it signals new beginnings. With the bed as the first and last place you’ll be for everyday of your life…why not start making changes from there?

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Spring cleaning time…Don’t forget your bed!

So that’s what those tiny slats on the sides are for!

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Flip your mattress

Firm mattresses are best for those who love to sleep on their backs. Pillow top or plush mattresses are great for side sleepers. So which one are you?

Consider your headboard and bed frame measurements in buying a new mattress. Mattresses today are thick and not making adjustments for the headboard, so your mattress could fit the entire bed, may be your problem later.

Mattresses carry a ten year warranty. If your buying for a room that won’t be used as much (like a guest room), go for the less expensive kind, to save on spendings.

The thicker the mattress, the more pricey it will be.

Have a mattress cover and protector to help the new mattress last longer.

Photo courtesy of Keetsa Mattress Store 

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Mattress Matters

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Good Bedroom Vs Bad Bedroom