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How to Keep Your Mattress From Sinking

September 15, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

When night falls, there’s nothing we crave more than a good night’s sleep on a comfortable mattress. Whether you like your sleeping area soft or firm, you want good support for your neck and back so you don’t wake up the next morning feeling tired or in pain. Sometimes, though, the mattresses we own don’t want to go along with the plan. In time, some models will start to sag in places, and you will definitely feel it when you’re trying to sleep. Your position will seem strange to you, and you can’t get comfortable again. What can you do to keep your mattress from sinking?

As a mattress begins to sag in the middle, it will make sleeping difficult, particularly for single sleepers who try to remedy the problem by staying close to one side. Ultimately, your body may move toward the middle and roll into the “trench,” causing problems for the neck and back later on. It is important to first identify where the sinking occurs before moving on with a plan to fix.

If you have a two-sided mattress that allows it to be flipped, you will want to try this first. Find somebody to help you, and turn over the mattress so that you can sleep on the other side. By flipping your mattress, you can help restore its original shape by putting pressure on different places.

You should also take a look at how your mattress is supported. Firm, even support of a mattress generally helps with keeping everything from sinking. If your bed doesn’t have that all-around support, consider a different base or using something to prop up the mattress better, like large blocks.

Have you exhausted these and other methods and still have problems with sags. It may be time to consider that your mattress is beyond help. If your model is ten years older or more, it may not be worth saving. Those who own a one-sided mattress that cannot be flipped will realize, too, that it’s time to invest in a new, firmer model. When you get to this point, though, you may wish to consider a different type of bedding that isn’t likely to sag.

One reason memory foam and latex mattresses are popular in recent years is because homeowners have found the chance of sagging is minimal compared to spring mattresses. The materials that go into these models are designed to hold up longer and provide more support, leaving the bed owner feeling comfortable at night. If the sag cannot be mended, consider the investment of newer, sturdier mattress. Your back and neck will thank you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattress.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Naked Bed, Organic Bedding Tagged With: ,

Tips for Eliminating Bed Bugs

September 7, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

This year a number of hotel guests have had to deal with unwanted roommates with bedbugs lurking between mattress fibers and nipping at heels and ankles. It’s enough to deal with this inconvenience while away, but the last thing you want to do is bring any home as souvenirs! Once bedbugs get into your home, they can be a pain to completely eliminate, therefore it’s important to take thorough measures in cleaning your house so it remains pest-free. As with getting rid of lice, bedbug hunting will require planning and timely execution, so if you need help remember these tips.

Vacuum Your Rooms

The second you suspect the little biting bugs have invaded your space, get all fabric out of the rooms – strips sheets and remove clothing – and use a high-powered vacuum on the carpets. Take your hose extension and get every inch of the mattress as well, keeping an eye out for the pests. You’ll need to make sure you get eggs and larvae as well, and clean out your vacuum when you are done.

Dry Clean Everything

Your first instinct may be to run load after load of laundry, but this could prove a fruitless effort. Even in high water temperatures, bedbugs can survive a spin and wash and remain in your sheets. Your fabrics will require a chemical treatment that takes care of the pests for good. If you do not have it in your budget to dry clean everything, send what you use most out and take the rest of your fabric in air tight bags and leave them in a safe place for several weeks. Cutting off the oxygen supply can help eliminate what bugs are left, then wash on hot before restocking.

Use Garment Bags

For clothing and sheets you don’t use often, use garment bags for protection. You may find them at your local bedding or home store. This will help keep pests away from your fabrics while in storage.

Call an Exterminator

When all else fails, hire a pest control specialist to take care of your bed bug problem. Depending on the severity of your infestation, you may be required to leave while the chemicals take effect. However, a day of inconvenience far outweighs a longer period of dealing with insects.

Bedbugs are a nuisance, but thankfully can be controlled and eliminated if you know what to do. Be diligent and vigilant, and you will be fine.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Eco, Green Living, Health Tips, Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest Tagged With: ,

Best Positions For the Best Sleep

August 25, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

How do you sleep at night? No, this isn’t an accusatory question designed to invoke feelings of guilt, but rather a genuine interest in your sleep patterns. For years we’ve read articles and listened to doctors with regards to the healthiest ways to sleep, but ultimately we tend to take the position that is most comfortable and effective for us. We are the ones who must manage getting forty winks a night, but if you find that you spend more hours shifting than snoozing, it’s time to re-evaluate your position.

Depending on your current state of health, some positions in bed may be more beneficial to you than others. Comfort is not only an important factor, but it’s important to make sure your airways are clear and that you are able to enjoy a deep sleep to help restore your energy after a long day. How you sleep can affect certain parts of your body, so let’s take a look at some of the better positions to try.

Back Sleeping: When you lie on your back with your head elevated, you can assist healthier digestion and put less pressure on your back. You are less likely to cause sagging skin in this position, too.

Side Position: The side position is generally recommended for pregnant women, as it helps maintain good blood flow to the womb. Sleeping on your side is also believed to help reduce snoring. A more extreme side position – the fetal – is also good for the aforementioned conditions, but if you worry about wrinkles it’s suggested to try something else.

Naturally, the position you most want to avoid – but probably do not because it is comfortable for some – is the stomach position. Not only does this way of sleeping cause distress to your spine, back and neck, but for women there is the risk of sagging breasts and skin.

One thing to remember, too, is that the pillow you buy will depend on the regular position you take in sleep. Thin pillows are usually suggested for stomach sleepers, and if you’re on your side a thick pillow is best for support.

However you sleep, it is important to listen to your body and consider how it reacts. If you feel pain, definitely switch for comfort, and consult a physician if you have other problems associated with sleep. Don’t let another night pass awake in the dark.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Best Positions For the Best Sleep

August 23, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

How do you sleep at night? No, this isn’t an accusatory question designed to invoke feelings of guilt, but rather a genuine interest in your sleep patterns. For years we’ve read articles and listened to doctors with regards to the healthiest ways to sleep, but ultimately we tend to take the position that is most comfortable and effective for us. We are the ones who must manage getting forty winks a night, but if you find that you spend more hours shifting than snoozing, it’s time to re-evaluate your position.

Depending on your current state of health, some positions in bed may be more beneficial to you than others. Comfort is not only an important factor, but it’s important to make sure your airways are clear and that you are able to enjoy a deep sleep to help restore your energy after a long day. How you sleep can affect certain parts of your body, so let’s take a look at some of the better positions to try.

Back Sleeping: When you lie on your back with your head elevated, you can assist healthier digestion and put less pressure on your back. You are less likely to cause sagging skin in this position, too.

Side Position: The side position is generally recommended for pregnant women, as it helps maintain good blood flow to the womb. Sleeping on your side is also believed to help reduce snoring. A more extreme side position – the fetal – is also good for the aforementioned conditions, but if you worry about wrinkles it’s suggested to try something else.

Naturally, the position you most want to avoid – but probably do not because it is comfortable for some – is the stomach position. Not only does this way of sleeping cause distress to your spine, back and neck, but for women there is the risk of sagging breasts and skin.

One thing to remember, too, is that the pillow you buy will depend on the regular position you take in sleep. Thin pillows are usually suggested for stomach sleepers, and if you’re on your side a thick pillow is best for support.

However you sleep, it is important to listen to your body and consider how it reacts. If you feel pain, definitely switch for comfort, and consult a physician if you have other problems associated with sleep. Don’t let another night pass awake in the dark.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Organic Bedding, Sleep Tagged With:

The Pros and Cons of Latex Mattresses

August 19, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

Your back is aching, your eyes are wide open, and you pretty much spend the night hours watching your clock change numbers. This is definitely no way to live – without a proper sleep each night, you put your health and sanity at risk. Whether you have medical or mental issues that prevent you from nodding off, chances are you can trace the root of your problems to your mattress. If it’s old, it’s time to get a new one. Question is, should you invest in a latex mattress?

If you have a specific budget to which you must adhere, you may be reluctant to consider a latex model based solely on price. While latex mattresses can run upwards of a few thousand dollars, proponents argue that the back support and longevity of the model is well worth the cost.

Let’s take a look at some popular pros and cons of owning this type of bedding:

Pro: If you are interested in greening your home, certain brands of latex mattresses offer you peace of mind that you are buying an organic product.

Con: Your local bedding shop may not have this product readily available, since latex is typically a premium item. If you mind shopping online for bedding, you may have a challenge in finding what you need.

Pro: If you suffer back problems, the firmness of this kind of mattress is known to aid in your sleep comfort.

Con: Some may find the mattress is too firm for their liking.

Pro: Companies that specialize in latex bedding are typically eco-minded. This means you won’t find as many preservatives and toxic ingredients in your mattress. Consequently, you are less likely to inhale toxins as you sleep, thereby creating a healthier environment.

Con: Some critic may opine that if you want to keep up your healthy bedding, you have to do more than buy the mattress. This means investing in organic sheets, pillows, and comforters. Again, if you are budget-minded, this could set you back.

However you come about your decision to purchase a new mattress for your bed, give the latex mattress some serious consideration. If you suffer health problems, the aid of an organic mattress can help relieve pains associated with your respiratory system and your back. A mattress not only provides comfort, but one free of toxins helps keep your entire body healthy. Price your mattresses and evaluate your overall health before you decide.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and latex mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding Tagged With:

Back Pain Cures – Upgrading Your Mattress

July 15, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

So, how well did you sleep last night? If you sat up this morning to a pain in your lower or upper back, and various day-time treatments have done little to help the problem, you may need to consider a cure in a new bedroom investment. Upgrading your mattress to something firmer and more supportive of your body as your sleep may not cure all health problems instantaneously, but taking preventative measures like improving your sleeping habits could assist you in improved health as time passes. A new mattress may be the key to diminished back problems.

When you prepare to upgrade your bed’s mattress, you should first determine the composition of your current model. More than likely you have the traditional coil mattress found in most department and furniture stores. If so, you may wish to consider a different style if only to find a better support system for your weight. In recent years, people have turned to memory foam and natural latex as useful alternatives in the fight against uncomfortable sleep. Whether you sleep on your back or side, you may wish to test these types of mattresses to determine if either will work to relieve your back pain at night.

Memory foam, some owners may claim, molds to your shape as you sleep and reduces jostling at night if you sleep with a spouse or partner. While some find this is the case, not all components of a memory foam mattress are allergen-free. If your back and other health problems are linked to allergies, you need to make sure there is nothing in the mattress you buy that will affect you poorly down the road.

Organic mattresses, like ones made of latex and wool, are less likely to cause irritations in that the components are mainly hypo-allergenic. Some people, thought, might be put off by the cost of a latex mattress, or else have difficulty finding one in their area. While prices on such models may be a bit higher than the standard coil mattress, the longevity connected to these models could make the cost worth it if you want relief as you lie down.

For those suffering back pain, a change in mattress could be beneficial to your health. Look for a firm surface that doesn’t feel uncomfortable as you lie down, and natural components that don’t irritate your senses and inflame other health problems. You can achieve good rest again when you upgrade your mattress.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Back Pain Cures – How Buying a New Mattress May Help

July 1, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

People plagued by back pain often have trouble sleeping at night – this goes without saying. If you have suffered a similar problem where you are kept awake hours on end because the pain is too great, you definitely need to find relief. The longer your sleep schedule is interrupted, the greater the chance your back pain will compound other health problems. Chiropractic care, massages, and even medication can help relieve this disorder, but you might also want to consider getting a new mattress to suit your body.

How does a new mattress help in soothing your backaches? Well, take into consideration how long you have had your current mattress. Typically, such bedding is good for about ten to twenty years, depending on use and components. There are other factors, too, such as whether or not you sleep alone or if the mattress has sustained damage. If age is a factor, it’s definitely time to get a newer model, one that is well-suited to your frame and can support you as you sleep.

The purchase of a mattress made of natural materials, like organic cotton, latex, and wool batting, may not only improve how you sleep, but how your body reacts to its surroundings. Nine time out of ten when you purchase furnishings for your home, that which is not organic may come treated with chemicals and preservatives. If you are unaware of certain allergies created by these chemicals, you could acquire an illness related to your back problems. A change in your environment is a good way to determine is something is making you not feel well.

Buying new bedding for your home lets you experiment with mattress firmness as well. As you shop, you can test different styles, everything from waterbeds to adjustable air to memory foam, to determine how well you are supported. A specific kind of bed may encourage you to sleep in a different position than you normally would, and this in turn could improve your overall sleeping habits.

When you sleep better, you will notice you feel healthier all around, not just a relief of back pain. Good sleep can determine how well you function at work, how quickly you lose weight, and how well you maintain mental focus.

As you shop for your next mattress, take a look at all the possibilities. A new model can reduce lower back pain and promote a better night’s rest, and better days.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Allergies and Health, Health Tips, Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest Tagged With: , ,

The Best Mattresses for Overweight People

June 24, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

For those carrying a few extra pounds, the thought of a purchase for the home, particularly furniture, may intimidate. Regardless of your budget, you want to buy a sofa or chair that supports your weight and is also comfortable and easy to get in and out of on a daily basis. Same goes with buying a new mattress for your bed – since you spend (hopefully) at least eight hours a night in bed, you need a mattress that works with your body so you rest well.

Deep, uninterrupted sleep is a key to a healthier lifestyle, and can actually help you lose weight. Therefore, it is in everybody’s best interest – regardless of your size – to own a mattress that promotes healthy sleep. You should not have to spend endless downtime hours tossing and turning to get comfortable. The combination of a good mattress with a pillow that supports your head and neck and keeps air passages clear will bring you a lifetime of healthy sleep.

Many sleep experts may suggest a natural mattress, one comprised of organic components, is the best choice. Organic cotton and wool, and the latex mattress that makes up the mattress core is less likely to receive chemical treatment in a plant. This in turn means your body does not absorb fumes from the chemicals and therefore you are less likely to have an allergic reaction or other irritation while you sleep.

Will a memory foam mattress work for you if you are overweight? While the top brands of this model tout the benefits of memory foam – in particular the ability to sleep undisturbed if your partner shifts – you should note that memory foam doesn’t necessarily mean the components are organic. Check with the manufacturer of any mattress to learn what is used on the mattress for preservation and stain resistance.

Ultimately, you will want to test potential mattresses with a visit to your bedding shop. Lay down on the models that most appeal to you to discern how they will hold up during the night. You may also wish to comparison shop online through customer feedback sites that offer unbiased reviews of bedding and similar products. Social review sites are also a good resource of reviews that can help you find what you need for a good night’s sleep.

Regardless of your size, you need to sleep well at night for a productive day. When you find the right mattress, sleep health begins.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: ,

Tips for Buying a New Mattress to Reduce Your Back Pain

June 17, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

When you work all day and your body cries out for relief, you want to look forward to a good night’s rest without any complications. The last thing you want is to lie down and further irritate your back – the mattress you use in your bed should support your weight and provide comfort when you need it most – when your body recharges for another day of activity. If you find your current mattress isn’t doing what is expected, and you spend more time tossing and turning than dreaming, it’s time to get something new.

What sort of mattress should you get to help relieve back pain at night? Many top brands will try to sell you on their models, touting specific features like supportive components and soft batting. Ultimately, though, you need a mattress with a good core, that works with your body to help you relax, and is not comprised of materials that could make you sick. As you shop, here are a few things to take note of:

Coils or foam? Or something new?

If you have slept, or tried to sleep on one or the other you may have experienced different sensations. Each style of mattress has its advantages, but what sleeps well for one person may not for you. You may wish to test possible candidates for how they feel when you lie down, though five minutes in a store may not properly represent a full night’s sleep. Still, you get an idea of what to expect.

If the traditional styles aren’t cutting for you, this may be a good time to explore alternative models. Organic and other natural mattresses, like those made with latex cores, can also provide the support you need.

Is it more than just your back?

Problems with other parts of your body can hinder total healing. If you find after sleeping on a specific mattress that your pain hasn’t gone away, despite feeling supported and comfortable, there could be more to it than the core. Consider what else is on the mattress – what covers the core, and what was used to treat it in the factory. If you have certain allergies, they could be affected by what you’re lying on, and that in turn can keep you up at night. Consequently, your back won’t feel any better. You may wish to investigate models made with minimal to no preservatives that irritate your senses.

Whether testing out in a store or ordering through a catalog, know that the mattress you choose should keep you rested at night and recharged for a new day.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic mattresses and organic pillows.

Filed Under: Latex Mattresses, Nutrition, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep

How Long Should Mattresses Last?

June 8, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

The purchase of a new mattress is important in that you likely intend to keep what you buy for a number of years. Some people consider a mattress furniture rather than a component of bedroom furniture, and as such it represents a serious investment. Depending on what you get, you could spend anywhere from five hundred to over a thousand dollars on where you sleep at night, so not only do you want to get it right the first time, you want your mattress to last! So, how long should a mattress stay on your bed?

Search the Internet for answers, and you will discover that answers range from five to ten years. Of course, one should take into consideration that there really is no pat answer because everybody has a different living and sleeping situation. How long a mattress lasts in your home will largely depend upon a number of factors, including:

1) How often will the mattress be used? If you’re a homebody, assuredly you will use your bed nightly as opposed to somebody who travels often for work. Regular wear and tear will play a role in whether or not you’ll replace the new mattress sooner.

2) What is your body style? If you are overweight, this could shorten the life and usefulness of your mattress. As you grow older, you may require more support for your body as you sleep. Of course, you will change over time, too – if you lose weight you may enjoy improved sleep patterns, but you’ll need to discern for yourself how that has affected your mattress.

3) Where will the bed sit? Your room helps determine the usefulness of your mattress, too. Temperature, the sturdiness of the frame, whether or not you use a mattress topper and how often you move the mattress are a few things to consider.

4) What is the mattress made of? A traditional coil mattress will have a lifespan different than that of a memory foam mattress and an organic latex mattress. Some answer Web sites claim that a cheaper version of the memory foam model may only last a few years because they have a greater propensity toward sagging as opposed to a mattress with a latex core. Remember, you do get what you pay for in bed furniture.

In short, a mattress can last several years provided it is cared for and your take care of yourself. As you sleep, watch for noticeable changes in the way it feels when you lie down, and you’ll be able to tell when it’s time to get up and look for a new mattress.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on organic latex mattresses and organic latex pillows.

Filed Under: Green Living, Latex Mattresses, Organic Bedding, Rest, Sleep Tagged With: