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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: ,

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:

I Can’t Sleep Through the Night!

June 3, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

It must be the worst sensation ever felt – to lie in bed, dead tired yet unable to simply close your eyes and sleep. For millions of people around the world, insomnia is a menace that affects not only one’s ability sleep peacefully, but function well during the day. If you have problems sleeping through the night – be it as a result of insomnia or some other affliction – know there are steps you can take toward finding the release you need so you can rest well at night and on through morning.

Here are a few things to think about while you’re awake at night:

1) What are you eating? Your diet can play a role in your sleep habits. If you tend to eat late into the night, and greasy, junk-style food at that, chances are your stomach is having a time digesting everything. As a result, you are kept awake by the discomfort. Consider changing your eating habits – stop about four hours before sleep, for example – and note a difference when you next try to sleep.

2) Where are you sleeping? Is your mattress lumpy or old? Too soft or too firm? Has it been treated with chemicals that irritate your skin or sinuses? Believe it not, you may be better off sleeping in the grass than certain name brand mattresses for the materials that go into them. You may wish to give your bedroom an organic makeover, starting first by getting a natural latex mattress that doesn’t give off dangerous fumes.

3) Who’s making that noise? Is your room off a busy street, or maybe there are night owls at home who like to have the TV on while you’re trying to rest? There are ways to combat the distractions if simply closing the door doesn’t work. You can try special earplugs designed for night use, or a white noise that gently lulls you to a calm sleep.

4) Is everything done for the day? Insomnia is often caused by stress. Between work and home and relationship issues, there’s enough to keep everybody awake. To combat sleeplessness, you need to work toward mentally freeing yourself from pressures and worries. Accept that some things cannot be resolved immediately – if you have work with deadlines, do as much as you can during the day so that’s one more thing off your mind.

Simple steps toward clearing the clutter in your sleep space, and your mind, is the best defense against insomnia.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on natural latex mattresses and sleeping tips.

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

Finding the Right Mattress Can Make All the Difference

May 25, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

Thanks to the growth of social media, we probably have learned more about our friends and family in one week than we have in our entire lives. Every mundane feeling and announcement is relayed in short status updates, and inevitably somebody will comment on the lousy night of sleep he endured. The upside to social media is that you have the immediate opportunity to suggest that maybe his nighttime habits – which can contribute to sleep deprivation – are not the whole problem. You can recommend a change of mattress, because the right mattress can make all the difference when you want to sleep well.

What’s so great about the perfect mattress for support of your body? In order to experience a restful sleep, one’s body must be at rest, correct? When you sleep, your comfort plays an important role in determining how quickly and how deeply you sleep. Hours spent shifting intermittently for an ideal position in bed leads to a restless night, and consequently you are tired during the day and unable to concentrate. This pattern stands to do serious damage in the long run, because restorative sleep is needed not only to recharge your energy, but help maintain weight and mental sharpness.

The right mattress makes all the difference in how you sleep. Most people look into components like memory foam thinking the material is firm yet soft enough to encourage a body to relax. While memory mattresses have enjoyed a boost in popularity as opposed to the traditional coil models which seem harder, one must consider other factors that come into play. What else is inside that mattress that could cause problems? You may not be aware of the different preservatives and chemicals used to treat the surfaces so they remain stain resistant. As you sleep, these chemicals are inhaled or absorbed, perhaps causing you irritation.

If you are eco-minded and have sought to green your home to save money and energy, you may wish to consider an organic mattress made with natural materials. Organic cotton, latex rubber, and wool for batting are just some of the thing you will want to look for when shopping. On paper they may not sound like much, but once you test an organic mattress for comfort you may definitely think differently. Latex rubber does not have the texture or “bounce” one expects with regular rubber – the core of such a mattress provides support where it is needed – for your back and neck and legs. The less they shift in sleep, the better the chance for a productive day in the morning.

Regardless of what type of mattress you buy, make sure you find the right one for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on sleep health tips and latex mattresses.

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

How to Clean Your Bed Pillows

May 10, 2011 By Admin Leave a Comment

To enjoy a good night’s sleep, free of irritations, you may find regular laundering of your sheets and pillowcases helps clear away any possible allergens. Choose organic sheets that aren’t filled with dyes and other component that could impede your comfort, and use a non-irritating detergent when you wash. Switch out sheet sets every few weeks for best results. As clean as you strive to keep your home, there is always the chance for dust and mites, and pet dander if you have a four-footed friend. What should you do, though, about your actual pillows?

Over time, even if you do have pillowcases, the pillows you use at night will show wear and retain mites and other things that could make it difficult for you to rest. This is because as you sleep, you lose moisture, and it is absorbed into your pillow and mattress. While’s it easy to wash away soil and sweat from most of your bedding, you can’t simply toss a pillow into your washer, unless it is sturdy enough for the cycle. Feather or down-stuffed pillows, for example, definitely require gentler care, as do organic pillows made with natural latex rubber.

It’s important to check the care labels to determine what soaps can and cannot be used on the surface. You might think it isn’t a big deal, since you’ll likely have a case over the pillow, but if you use a scented soap or a detergent with chemicals remember that your face will be on that pillow as you sleep. You will breathe what is emitted, so think carefully about how you clean it.

One way to ensure the cleanliness of your pillows is to dissolve a “green” detergent in warm water and, using a sponge or rag, gently wipe the surface. Depending on the sturdiness of the pillow, you can tumble dry or let it air dry in a clean spot. Replace the cases when completely dry.

Some people may choose to sleep on pillows without cases. This is not unusual if you have an organic pillow made with a soft, cotton cover. The feel of the material against your face may be pleasing and help you sleep better. If you don’t use pillowcases, you should consider washing your pillows frequently so stains and soils won’t embed too deeply over time.

Cleaning your pillows the right way on a regular basis helps ensure that your bedroom remains clean and your sleep undisturbed.

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

Filed Under: Health Tips, Latex Mattresses, Rest