Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at
9:48 pm
People spend a large amount of time in their beds. As we all must sleep each and every night, it adds up. In fact, we spend 1/3 of our entire lives in bed. Sleep is extremely important. It refreshes us, makes us ready for each new day. That’s why getting the perfect mattress is not a matter of luxury, it’s a necessity. However, when it comes to purchasing a bed for a child, it’s a different matter than purchasing a mattress for yourself. Children have different requirements.
When it comes down to it, it’s a matter of weight and comfort, and also how much use a mattress will get. An adult is fully grown; a child is not, so it’s important that he or she gets the right kind of support during their formative years. This means that parents shouldn’t buy the cheapest thing they can get their hands on that will only last five years. A child can keep the same mattress usually for ten years. That doesn’t mean you should buy a mattress that costs a few thousand dollars, but you probably want to stay away from that used mattress for $100 that you found on Craigslist.
A twin mattress is the usual choice for a child. The traditional twin mattress measures 39″ x 75″. Beyond that, there is a lot of variety in the market, which can make the choice somewhat daunting. There are four main types of popular mattresses. The interior sprung mattress consists of interlocking springs which form support; these are then covered by padding and lining. Quality and pricing varies greatly.
Pocket sprung mattresses consist of non-interlocked springs; each spring has its own separate compartment; this gives the bed greater flexibility and it’s usually more comfortable than an interior sprung mattress.
Orthopedic foam mattresses are made out of dense layers of foam; these provide good support.
Memory foam mattresses contour to your body.
Consider the materials. Avoid mattresses that are coated or contain polyurethane foam, eco foam, PVC and chemical retardants. These can be potentially dangerous for your child if he or she is in contact with them for an extended period of time. This is known as outgassing. The chemicals can actually contain toxic carcinogens which leak over time.
It’s better to go with organic and non toxic materials. These include mattresses made out of organic wool, which is naturally mite resistant and fire retardant, pure latex and organic contain are also excellent choices. There are certain certifications or standards such as GreenGuard and Healthy Child Healthy World which grade mattresses.
Generally, pediatricians recommend mattresses on the firmer side to aid in support and bone growth.
When shopping for your child’s mattress, keep in mind that higher prices don’t necessarily mean a better mattress. Do look out for sales and make sure that you can return your mattress if it doesn’t work out. Research your options thoroughly. Ask about guarantees and warranties. Don’t be afraid to bargain the price. Test the mattress before you buy it.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 at
9:49 pm
Chances are, you spend more time in your bed than anywhere else in the world. A good night of sleep is essential to keeping you productive in every facet of your life, from work to play. That’s why it’s so important to choose the mattress that will give you the most comfortable rest. The following is some information that will aid you in your selection.
The first thing to consider when you’re in the market to purchase a mattress is price. If your budget is high, obviously you’ll have a wider range of options to choose from. The top mattress companies generally use higher quality materials that will be more comfortable. These mattresses will also probably last longer than their generic counterparts. You may also want to consider purchasing a gently used mattress. Often, purchasers will experience buyer’s remorse, and will quickly look to pawn off their “too firm” or “too soft” mattress.
Next, think about the size you’re looking for. Standard sizes are twin, double, queen, and king. If you have a partner, you’ll almost certainly want to opt for a double mattress or larger. When deciding on the size of your mattress, take into account the dimensions of the room in which it will be placed. All the space of a king size mattress might be appealing in a huge showroom. When you bring it back to your apartment, however, you may find that it completely dominates your bedroom, leaving little room for your other furniture. As with any other furniture purchase, it’s wise to measure the room first, and then bring this information to the store.
Also consider the foundation that you’ll be using. Do you have a bed frame picked out? The dimensions of this frame will determine which mattresses you can purchase. Perhaps you’ll put the mattress right on top of a box spring on the floor. If this is the route you choose to take, it will certainly leave you with a wide variety of mattresses to choose from.
The next decision is the most crucial you’ll have to make. Every person has a different preference for firmness. If you’re buying a bed for both you and your partner, you may want to consider a model that allows for two separate chambers, capable of different firmness on each side. It’s also commonly believed that firmer beds are better for your back, so take that into consideration, especially if you’re a bit older.
The goal in any mattress purchase is to get it right the first time. Delivery and tax are both fees that you wouldn’t think of, but they add a substantial amount of money to the final price tag. If you do find after a few months that your mattress isn’t suitable, there are some options. Many “aftermarket” items are available to drastically change the feel of a mattress. These include eggshell pads, memory foam, and mattress protectors.
The most important thing in the whole process is patience. Take an extra few minutes to lay down on the mattress you like most, and try to determine whether you could spend the next ten years comfortably sleeping away the hours. When you’ve found the mattress that definitively answers yes to that question, it’s time to pull out your wallet.
Monday, November 30th, 2009 at
9:54 pm
What is Off-Gassing?
There are many different types of foams and batting materials used in mattresses these days; furthermore, there are many types of mattresses. If you go shopping you will undoubtedly encounter latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, air mattresses (think Select Comfort calling itself the Sleep Number bed), innerspring coil mattresses, and futon mattresses.
Chemicals used in synthetic foams (mostly petroleum based) and some fire retarding agents emit fumes. Mattresses made using these chemicals can potentially cause reactions in people with chemical sensitivities. Some of these chemicals have not been tested on young children or in the proximity that is present in a mattress slept on for 8 hours a day. People with concerns about off-gassing would be well served knowing what is in the mattress they have or wish to purchase.
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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at
10:05 pm
Why you should choose and Organic Mattress?
“Green” your bedroom with an organic mattress! Sleeping well is vital to good health. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and an organic bed is an excellent way to ensure that, for at least 8 hours a day, we are free from exposure to the toxic chemicals so prevalent in consumer products today.
What is the difference between an organic mattress and mainstream mattresses?Organic mattresses are derived from natural materials. Conventional mattresses are made primarily of man-made materials derived from nonrenewable resources such as natural gas and petrochemicals. Plus, in conventional mattresses, fire retardants and other chemicals are used on cover fabrics and in paddings. (OMI’s mattresses are made with naturally flame-resistant organic Eco-Wool, which keeps you safe without the use of chemical fire retardants).
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