Posts Tagged ‘memory’

Buying Tempurpedic and Memory Foam Mattresses Online

May 25, 2009

Tempurpedic beds have been around for some time now and have popularized the amazing benefits of memory foam. Unfortunately, most consumers cannot afford to spend thousands on a mattress. If this sounds familiar, read on. In this article, we will discuss the key criteria for selecting a memory foam mattress online so you can get the most for your money.

High quality memory foam beds are now widely available online but there are a few cheap imitators to watch out for. If you follow a few basic guidelines for density, construction, and warranty, you should be able to weed out the bad and purchase a mattress which will provide years of comfort.

The first and perhaps the most important rule to follow is density. The density of memory foam determines how well it will wear over time and also how buoyant it feels. Tempurpedic has a density of about 5.3 lbs. per square foot. This high density allows it wear well and gives the sleeper that floating on air feeling. When shopping for a memory foam mattress, it is recommended to purchase a mattress with at least 5.0 lb. density as anything less will break down quickly and the cells can feel less supportive. Beware of large discount retail chains, as they usually market mattresses with densities as low as 2.5-3.0 lbs. If the retailer cannot give you this information, it is best to avoid.

Next, you need to know how the mattress is constructed. Tempurpedic memory foam mattresses are composed of a base layer of high density poly foam topped by layers of memory foam. For optimal comfort, this is how memory foam mattresses should be. If the bed has springs, coils, or anything other than foam, this can greatly reduce the comfort of the memory foam. Many brands use proprietary air flow channels to help vent heat out of the mattress, and these systems are typically considered to be helpful. Be wary of any mattress which has foam sidewalls for support, as this is just a money saving trick in which cheap foam is glued to the sides which reduces the amount of memory foam used and reduces the sleeping surface space. The mattress should have a protective sock like covering which helps repel liquids and allergens and should include a removable, washable cover.

A product’s warranty gives you an idea of how long the manufacturer expects it to last. With memory foam mattresses, a quality bed should have around 20 years of warranty. Most companies, like Tempurpedic, will offer a prorated warranty which means that the company pays less towards damages or claims over time. You should always check the retailers return policy also. Many companies will offer 30-90 days during which you can return the mattress in good condition if you do not like it. If you are a first time memory foam buyer and not sure how you will adjust to it, make sure you can return or exchange the bed prior to purchase.

Like many other products, the most expensive is not necessarily the best option since you are often just paying for a name. By applying the above rules while shopping online for your memory foam mattress, you can save thousands over Tempurpedic mattresses and still enjoy the benefits of memory foam for years to come.

Beds – Mattresses – Information Galore.

December 12, 2007

What do you want to know about beds, mattresses and getting a comfortable, restful night’s sleep? Whatever questions you have, or whatever information you need is probably somewhere on the internet. For instance, you figure you have a good bed and mattress and are in good health… so why don’t you sleep well at night? Try reading Tips For Restful Sleeping or Designing Restful, Restorative Sleep You might find the answers you need in either one of these worthwhile articles.

You’re considering an adjustable bed, but just haven’t convinced yourself you know enough about them yet. Well, dig into information about adjustable beds in articles like: Adjustable Beds Health Benefits, Adjustable Bed Purchase Considerations, or Adjustable Beds: Designing Personal Comfort.

By now, you’ve probably seen plenty of advertising for memory foam mattresses, but what would you like to know that all the advertising isn’t telling you. Check out: Fibromyalgia and Memory Foam Mattresses, Memory Foam Considerations, Memory Mattresses Relieve Pressure, or Mattress Topper Quick Primer.

The Net truly provides a wealth of information that’s usually only a click or two away. You can become an educated consumer. Just do some research and reading. Then sleep on it. You just might wake up an expert on what’s best for you.

Buy Quality, Not A Name.

December 6, 2007

When shopping for an adjustable bed or a memory foam mattress, it’s highly- advisable for any person purchasing these particular types of bedding to research and review comparable products to the ones that enjoy the highest name or brand recognition. Let’s take two popular brand names in the bedding industry… Craftmatic… famous for their adjustable beds, and Tempur-Pedic… equally famous for their memory foam mattresses. First off, it would be a large mistake to assume these companies are the only companies who make their respective products. Lots of other fine companies make and sell adjustable beds and memory foam mattresses. It’s just that Craftmatic and Tempur-Pedic are perhaps more widely known, because they have large marketing budgets and aggressively advertise. The fact that these two companies have the ability to purchase large amounts of advertising should in no way lead a shopper to conclude that they also make the best products on the market. The fact is, there are other companies making comparable products that are very often as good as, or even better than Craftmatic and Tempur-Pedic products. And, in many instances, provide the consumer with better overall value at a lower price. Understand that a smart shopper and a wise investor buys quality and not a name. Do some comparative shopping online, and you will certainly discover there are many fine products that are better, all-around buys than the name brand products you see or hear advertised more often.

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers.

December 3, 2007

In case you don’t know, the terms memory foam mattress topper, memory foam topper, mattress topper, memory foam mattress pad, and memory foam pad are all quite interchangeable. A memory foam mattress pad provides much of the comfort and support of a full memory foam mattress, but at a substantially lower cost. A memory foam mattress topper is placed on top of an existing bed… preferably one with plenty of good support… as a topper is not a substitute or a replacement of a mattress.

The mattress pad should be broken in over a period of days or possibly weeks. To accelerate the break-in process, try sleeping directly on top of the foam rather than on the bedding or sheet covering it.

Memory foam, the viscoelastic foam material that accommodates and holds impressions on its surface, is usually associated with the full mattress version. The memory foam mattress pad was first utilized in hospitals during the 1980s, where the material proved to be very remedial in reducing pressure and stress for longer term hospital patients. In the late 1990s, the memory foam mattress was introduced to the general public. Today, more and more people are enjoying the benefits of restful, rejuvenating sleep thanks to both memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers. If the cost of a full mattress represents a bigger investment than you want to make, or you simply want to try the memory foam experience at a lower cost. You should definitely give some consideration to getting acquainted with the memory foam product through a mattress topper.

Sensible Bedding Investments.

November 29, 2007

Adjustable beds with memory foam mattresses are some of the most popular bedding configurations going right now. Very simply, people are getting turned on to the comfort of these beds every day, and they very well could be the right choice for you to get the sleep and rest you need.

It almost goes without saying; restful sleep is essential to staying healthy. If you don’t get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, you’ll eventually be sapped of the energy and focus you need to function optimally. No matter well you take care of yourself in other areas of your life… such as diet and nutrition… without restorative, rejuvenating sleep, your healthy regimen becomes a moot effort. Having the right bed is a key ingredient in the living well and healthy process.

The adjustable beds with memory foam mattresses are great because they provide full body support. Many bedding configurations don’t do this, and this is one of the things that make adjustable beds with the appropriate foam mattress the winners they are.

Not only does the foam mattress conform to the shape of your body, but with just a touch of a button, you can literally adjust your bed to several different positions until you find the most comfortable and soothing one for you. You have the entire bed and mattress actually conforming and supporting the shape and angles of your body… which will enable you to sleep very restfully. You’ll eliminate the nightly tossing and turning drama to find just the right position, due to the fact your bed and mattress adjust according to your unique needs.

Real Comfort Doesn’t Mean High Cost.

November 8, 2007

The fastest growing segment of the mattress industry in the last 10 years has been what has become known as the “specialty mattress” segment. The term, specialty mattress, actually covers all the latest technologies in the bedding industry: memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, adjustable beds and air beds.These specialty mattresses differ greatly from each other in both construction and what types of sleep issues they’re best at resolving, but they share a common trait. Unlike the more traditional innerspring mattresses, they are inherently comfortable based just on their basic construction elements. You probably wouldn’t find much comfort in sleeping on a bed of steel springs… but sleeping on a mattress made of foam… even if its firm foam, latex, or air is very comfortable. Specialty beds and their core construction simply offer a substantial improvement in comfort over steel springs.

The difference between memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and air beds are about as different as all of these various specialty beds are from innerspring coil mattresses. And, there can be significant differences even within one segment… for instance, memory foam mattresses can provide different feels, properties and benefits from other memory foam mattresses.

Memory foam is probably the hottest segment in the mattress industry today. Memory foam’s cellular-composition possesses the unique property of providing uniform pressure to all body parts that come in contact with the mattress. And, by doing so, goes a long way in offering relief to those with sleep problems, pain issues, and even those with specific health conditions. Many people will find that memory foam mattresses can offer the ultimate in comfort, but there can be substantial variations in the feel of different manufacturers’ memory foams. Pricing can vary considerably as well. And, the highest priced mattresses don’t necessarily equate to the most comfortable mattresses or the longest-lasting ones. Get better acquainted with memory foam mattresses by visiting websites and making comparisons. In some cases, you’ll discover that the most profound difference is only price. And, after you make that determination… why pay more to buy the comfort you’re seeking?

Low Density Vs. High Density Foam.

November 1, 2007

Lower density foam is often cheaper memory foam. Low density foam mattresses are typically made of viscoelastic foam which has bigger and fewer open cells. The air is spread to adjoining cells faster so you sink faster. Now, this may initially create the illusion that it’s softer and possibly more comfortable. But, the harm or danger here is that low density foam may not have enough firmness to provide proper cushion. And so, over time you’ll keep sinking until you begin to see signs of a permanent sag in your mattress.

Good quality, high density foam mattresses will let you sink in and get comfortable, but not to the point where it becomes a problem to roll over. They provide the greater body contact with fewer pressure points you’re looking for in a good foam mattress, but only in the areas where the mattress is softened by body heat. The rest of the mattress keeps you well cushioned.

Lower density memory foam also wears out much quicker, and in time will begin to fail in regaining its original shape. Consequently, cheap, low density foam mattresses can show sagging in the middle in less than a year. Whereas, better quality, and higher density memory foam will take years before it begins to show signs of sagging. One “tell tale” sign of whether you’re buying low density foam or high density foam is the retailer’s/manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re acquiring a foam mattress with a long warranty… in the 20-year range… then chances are you’re acquiring a high quality, high denisty foam mattress.

Memory Foam Benefits Overweight People.

October 22, 2007

In order for a memory foam mattress to be supportive and comfortable for an overweight or obese person, it must be firmer and made of higher density viscoelastic, so that it can relieve pressure and provide a restful night’s sleep. Most high-quality foam mattresses are already quite dense. This makes them suitable for a larger person. But, because the additional weight creates greater pressure, the cell structure that comprises the memory foam may wear down slightly faster than normal. It will not, however, significantly shorten the life-span or durability of the mattress or mattress topper.

Viscoelastic foam softens over time. This is to be expected. Many people notice that within a few weeks or months of purchase their foam mattress or topper becomes softer, and mistakenly think that it’s wearing out quickly. Softening is a normal condition in foam mattresses as a result of the break-in process. However, overweight people may notice a quicker softening in their mattresses.

A good quality mattress such as an AstraBeds Memory Foam sleep system does soften, but support is being properly maintained because of the high density of the foam and the heat-changing firmness rating as well as the firm mattress core. In other words, a memory foam mattress or topper may become softer, but this softening does not amount to faster or abnormal breaking down if it still provides adequate support.

Almost regardless of a person’s weight, a high-quality visco foam mattress will provide support and comfort without sagging for up to 15 years. A high-quality foam mattress topper will last up to 4 years… provided it’s used over a solid foundation, and is of the appropriate thickness.

A durable, built-in mattress foundation teamed with a reasonably thick memory foam layer on top will help a memory foam sleep system maintain its performance over a long period of time. This makes either a memory foam mattress or mattress topper a good choice for overweight people.

Mattresses for Adjustable Bed Frames.

October 17, 2007

Not all mattresses are compatible with an adjustable bed. These two popular mattress types… coil springs and air adjustable mattresses… are compatible with adjustable beds… however, they need specific construction to move flexibly on an adjustable bed frame. Other mattress choices, latex and memory foam are very flexible and are very compatible with an adjustable frame. While still a favorite choice, coil spring mattresses work adequately for the majority of consumers without health or sleep issues. But, other sleep surfaces, (including adjustable air beds, latex foam and memory foam) are growing in popularity with aging baby boomers and better educated consumers. These newer sleep surfaces are proving to have benefits and provide relief for those people who do suffer from various sleep disorders as well as muscle and joint problems.

If you are interested in buying an adjustable bed, consider that most people buy the frame and mattress at the same time. Mattresses suitable to the adjustable frame will include latex and memory foam and are practically ready-made for the flexibility that an adjustable bed requires. They should be strongly considered as good candidates to complement your new adjustable bed frame. While air mattresses and innerspring mattresses must be designed specifically for use on an adjustable bed frame.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Memory Foam.

October 12, 2007

It’s estimated that about 20 million people in the USA alone suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). And, it’s been reported that memory foam mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows have helped some people find relief from this condition. People who suffer from OSA momentarily stop breathing in their sleep. These episodes prevent OSA sufferers from sustaining a restful and restorative sleep.

OSA can be caused by body, neck or head positioning, reclining elevation, fat deposits and possibly a number of other factors. The interruptions to breathing that are experienced by OSA sufferers can occur as often as 30 to 40 times an hour. Some people with OSA have it for years and are not aware of their exact condition. They only know they don’t sleep well, but are unaware of why.

There are special foam memory pillows available for OSA-related problems that are designed for side sleeping. It’s been found that sleeping on one’s side helps to reduce extra weight on the chest. Side sleeping can also provide a better alignment of internal air passages for proper breathing. Unfortunately, many OSA sufferers find side-sleeping uncomfortable. This is especially true for overweight individuals, who are often the most susceptible to developing the OSA condition. Memory foam mattresses or mattress toppers can help alleviate the pressure points that make side sleep uncomfortable. By eliminating pressure points and their accompanying effects which disturb sleep, some sleep apnea victims are able to use the side-sleep pillows for relief. Consequently, the sleeper experiences less tossing and turning from their apnea condition, and less tossing and turning caused by pressure points.

Another key benefit of memory foam is it’s ability to keep the spine aligned properly during sleep. By supporting all body parts evenly without pressure, memory foam can eliminate the “sagging” that causes misaligned vertebrae and back pain. For people with OSA, the coddling support of memory foam keeps both the spine and airway aligned, and thereby enables air to travel more easily. Some apnea episodes can be simply caused by contorted, almost unnatural body positioning that happens as a result of frequent tossing and turning activity. Memory foam has proven to help many OSA sufferers avoid these types of annoying and disturbing episodes.