Memory Foam Mattress Guides & Information

Trouble Sleeping? Here’s What You Can Do About It

admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:49:46 +0000

Did you have trouble sleeping last night? If you didn’t, your spouse probably did. At least according to statistics that show nearly one of every two people has at least periodic sleep problems. For people 65 and older, the figure swells to over 50 percent.

Makes you wonder why there is such a problem with something as seemingly simple as sleep. There are a number of reasons actually, and one or more of them may be contributing to your situation. In this fast paced world, people lose sleep for a myriad of reasons.

Causes of Insomnia

Stress is a major culprit. The tension that results from daily worry, demanding work and hectic schedules can eat away at the body and cause real physical symptoms such as insomnia. When your emotions are twisted into a knot, it’s easy to see how it would be difficult – at best – to relax mind and body enough to doze off.

Caffeine and alcohol consumption can also cause sleeping problems. Caffeine can stay in the blood stream long after the stimulating effects wear off. It’s best to refrain from drinking any caffeinated beverages or eating foods with caffeine – such as chocolate – in the afternoon or evening hours. Alcohol should also be limited during evening hours as it can result in restless sleep.

Smoking also acts as a stimulant and can contribute to erratic sleep cycles. Some doctors believe the body begins to withdraw from nicotine soon after the last consumption. That means your body becomes restless during the night as cravings for the next smoke grow.

Medications are frequently cited in efforts to uncover the cause of a case of insomnia. If you are on medications – especially multiple treatments of varying drugs – and are having trouble sleeping, check with your doctor to see if the problem may be a side effect. It could be that your dosage or medication needs to be changed.

What You Can Do

First of all, analyze your caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and medication intake to see if there are adjustments that need to be made. Stress can also frequently be relieved by prioritizing what is really important in your daily life and letting go of as much of the rest as possible. The bottom line is to make a concerted effort to cut out those things that are damaging your overall well-being.

Make a schedule and stick to it. Go to bed and wake up at specified times each day. Your body will adjust to the routine and adapt accordingly.

Get comfortable with a new bed and surroundings. Are your bedroom accommodations conducive to sleep? If you have an innerspring bed, consider upgrading to a memory foam mattress. The therapeutic qualities of memory foam improve circulation and eliminate pressure points that can lead to soreness and insomnia.

Turn off all electronics. Televisions, iPhones, computers and similar distractions can impede proper sleep. Make your bedroom an electronics free zone to encourage your body to relax and sleep.

What is Green Memory Foam Anyway?

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:48:11 +0000

Over the past year, a new product has begun making a splash in the memory foam pond. Only a handful – or less – of companies are leading the way with Green Memory Foam, but the movement is gaining steam.
Memory foam itself has only been on the open market for a little over a decade. In that time, its popularity has skyrocketed due to its ability to prevent surface motion transfer and because the memory foam cells create a gentle body contouring sensation that properly supports the body without a metal spring-based structure that can cause uncomfortable pressure points.
Despite the overall therapeutic benefits of memory foam, many customers have raised concerns over the petroleum-based mixture that comprises memory foam. One of the most heard complaints of memory foam is the chemical off-gassing that occurs when a memory foam mattress is first unpacked and rolled out. It can last for days and has been known to sour a customer’s experience.
But, fortunately, a small number of forward-thinking manufacturers heard the complaints and put their best thinkers on the case to find a solution. What they developed is green memory foam – a product that has revolutionized the already revolutionary memory foam industry.
Green memory foam is the environmentally –friendly alternative to the original memory foam formula. Instead of poly-urethane chemical components, green memory foam relies on vegetable-based materials. In addition, the production process is free of harmful emissions and that means a lower carbon footprint.
The best thing about green memory foam, however, is the fact that it looks, feels and acts exactly like visco-elastic memory foam. Users get the same motionless sleep and body contouring effect that has been heralded by so many. In addition, reputable dealers include the same in-home sleep trials and lengthy warranties that are common with other memory foam mattress retailers. This means there is virtually no risk associated with trying out a green memory foam mattress.
When shopping for a new mattress, you no longer have to put aside health and safety concerns. As much time as we spend in our beds over the course of a lifetime; we shouldn’t have to worry whether we are jeopardizing our health simply by sleeping. A high quality green memory foam mattress will help you reach your sleep goals while erasing the worry associated with other mattresses.

A Memory Foam Mattress Makes Life Better – Really

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:44:44 +0000

Experts say we spend three quarters of our entire lives in bed. Even with a memory foam mattress, that’s a lot of good and bad nights’ sleep. For many people who still use innerspring mattresses, the bad far outweighs the good and the negative effects can bleed over into work and personal relationships and other important aspects of life.
When you can’t sleep, your body doesn’t get the fit-full rest it needs to replenish and rejuvenate. Motor skills, memory, focus, attention to detail and other essential functions are going to be thrown off kilter. Mood swings, agitation and melancholy can result.
If the problem isn’t corrected, insomnia can lead to a number of serious physical and mental conditions. For many people, the situation is compounded by the fact that their bed is the major cause of the problem. There is little chance of correcting the above conditions without addressing your sleep situation.
Poor sleep is frequently related to physical discomfort, and even pain, caused by the hard metal springs that provide the support structure for most traditional mattresses. Where the springs push against the body, pressure points are created that can quickly escalate to become sore and eventually painful to the touch – both at the skin level and deeper into the muscles and joints.
And this is where memory foam mattresses can make your life better.
Memory foam has long been widely regarded in the medical community for its therapeutic qualities. The millions of tiny open cells that comprise memory foam work to disperse body weight evenly across the mattress surface. As a result the body is gently cupped by a contouring effect that eliminates pressure points and relieves body stress while improving circulation.
An added benefit of memory foam is that it doesn’t transfer weight across the bed. That means if you have a partner that gets up during the night, you won’t be bounced awake every time they get into or out of the bed. With memory foam, you’ll stay undisturbed and sleeping restfully. That’s a particularly significant benefit, especially if your partner rises frequently or is a restless sleeper.
Large numbers of satisfied customers who regularly sleep on memory foam report significant improvements in their rest patterns. If you’re able to conquer the physical barrier to sleep, then that’s most of the battle. Memory foam will help you do that.
When proper sleep cycles are restored, your overall well-being is likely to increase and relationships will be less fraught with strain. Your mood will consistently be better and less likely to swing due to fatigue. Work productivity will improve and your body will be more capable of participating in recreation and exercise activities.
It’s easy to see how memory foam mattresses can have a significant impact on quality of life.

How to Find the Best Memory Foam Mattress

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:43:12 +0000

“What’s the best memory foam mattress?”
It’s a question every memory foam retailer has heard, time and again. For different customers, the answer could vary significantly so it’s always important to have a thorough understanding of memory foam and how it will benefit your individual situation.
Some customers will look for extraordinary value in a memory foam mattress; others high quality craftsmanship; still more will insist on both. A growing number of customers will also be looking at the “green factor” – or how environmentally friendly the manufacturer’s product is in relation to others.
In the years since memory foam burst onto the market – a byproduct of NASA-inspired technology – it has undergone an affirming transformation that has diminished a few initial kinks and mastered the production process. As the market has grown, prices have fallen to very affordable levels over the past few years with the addition of a number of strong competitors.
A particular few innovators have even perfected vegetable or soy-based memory foam mattresses that are as good, or better, than their polyurethane-based counterparts. This is particularly appealing to a large – and ever growing – cross-section of consumers who are committed to buying eco-friendly products or who may benefit from the anti-bacterial, anti-microbial characteristics of green memory foam.
Aside from those important factors, there are several key qualities that should always be considered seriously when purchasing a new mattress. Here are a few of the most important things to know if you’re looking for the best memory foam mattress:
• Higher density memory foam is a sign of better quality. Memory foam with a density of less than three pounds should not be considered due to the likelihood of “bottoming out.” Conversely, memory foam with a density higher than five pounds will be too firm for most people’s comfort. So, the ideal memory foam density is generally considered to be between three and five pounds.
• The ILD rating of a mattress will tell how hard or soft the memory foam is by measuring how many pounds of pressure are required to compress the mattress four inches. A higher ILD rating indicates a mattress that is going to be more firm. For this reason, the best mattresses will employ a combination of at least two layers of varying density memory to provide the optimal combination of comfort and support.
• There really is no perfect level of thickness in a memory foam mattress. Ultimately, this is a very subjective characteristic that depends heavily on individual uses and preferences including sleep positioning and activity levels.
• American made products will always be a mark of quality when it comes to memory foam mattresses. Beware products made in foreign countries – especially China – where lax production standards open the door to low quality merchandise that could contain harmful substances.
• A final consideration is warranty and in-home trial. A quality memory foam mattress should be supported by the manufacturer with a lengthy warranty of at least 10 years and up to 20 years. Most reputable retailers will also offer an in-home trial period to ensure the customer gets the perfect mattress for their particular sleep needs.

Which Memory Foam Mattress Size Fits You Best

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:14:45 +0000

The current memory foam mattress market has something for everyone – and that includes sizes galore to fit any need.
From twin to California King, memory foam mattresses are available from most reputable dealers in a variety of sizes designed to provide the closest-to-perfect fit possible. In addition, many retailers of high quality products offers the “split” option where the mattress is literally split in half so that each user can enjoy their preferred firmness level. The split option is also an advantage for users who may have trouble navigating a large king size memory foam mattress through tight spaces such as stairwells.
There are no less than seven varying sizes available for memory foam mattresses. Here is a tutorial on each:
• Twin: designed for use by a single child or adult. Twin dimensions are 39” x 75,” but a Twin XL is also an option at 39” x 80.”
• Full: a roomy sleep surface for a single user or a slightly cramped option for a couple. Full dimensions are 54” x 75” and a Full XL adds five inches to the length for taller users.
• Queen: designed for two users, the Queen mattress’ dimensions are 60” x 80” and again can be extended by five inches in length with an XL upgrade.
• King: a very spacious surface that can easily accommodate most couples. King size dimensions are 76” x 80” and California King is an alternative at 72” x 84” for a slightly narrower and longer profile.
Each user will come to a different conclusion as to which memory foam mattress size fits them best. Everything from physical stature to intended uses and number of users should be considered. In general, it is best to opt for the size just above the one that you feel you will need as personal space requirements may be underestimated in the decision making stage before the user has an opportunity to really get a feel for the bed with regular use.
With so many options available in affordable prices from reputable dealers who use quality materials and production processes, it is no wonder memory foam mattresses have grown to enjoy such popularity.

Memory Foam Is OK For Most Children

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:09:40 +0000

As more and more adults come to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of memory foam mattresses, it is only natural they would want to encourage loved ones to give these innovated sleep systems a try.
That may mean recommending memory foam to parents, siblings and other family members. And, increasingly, children can be added to that list.
But that raises interesting questions regarding the appropriateness of allowing kids to sleep on memory foam mattresses. Clearly, any parent who even considers memory foam for their children has only their best interest at heart. After all, the health benefits of memory foam are well-documented. But that doesn’t necessarily mean memory foam mattresses are suitable for all children.
In a nutshell, memory foam can positively affect a child’s overall health and sleep patterns, but there are safety concerns that parents should be aware of – particularly regarding very young children, especially infants.
Memory foam mattresses have grown hugely popular in recent years as consumers far and wide have caught on to the unique characteristics of this NASA-inspired technology. Memory foam can be polyurethane-based or organic in nature. Memory foam mattresses do not use hard metal springs that create painful pressure points when the user applies body weight. Instead, memory foam mattresses are comprised of millions of open cells that collapse under pressure and body heat to provide the “melting” feeling that has brought the product fame and rave reviews. As the body melts into the memory foam it is cradled without pressure points so there is none of the resulting soreness that is common with innerspring mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are also proven to improve circulation and create an overall improvement in sleep cycles.
All of those qualities can be beneficial to children. Older kids should have no problems using a memory foam mattress safely. Improvements made now to sleep patterns and overall health will pay dividends later in life.
Parents should, however, be cautioned that memory foam mattresses can be dangerous for very young children who could roll over and suffocate. Because of their light body weights, younger children also will not receive the same degree of benefit as older children whose heavier frames will work more properly in conjunction with the memory foam design.
For children under 4-years-old, a physician should be consulted to determine whether the timing is appropriate for introducing a memory foam mattress. For everyone else – go ahead and enjoy!

Do memory foam mattress toppers really work?

admin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:02:40 +0000

Do memory foam mattress toppers really work?
It’s a fair question that is probably on the minds of many people who have looked into the cost of purchasing a memory foam mattress and recoiled some in shock when confronted with the average price tag. No argument, buying a memory foam mattress is a significant investment that could run upwards of $1,000 or more. And who wouldn’t want to cut into that cost with a cheaper version if possible? Memory foam toppers offer a significantly scaled down version of a memory foam mattress that attempts to offer similar benefits but in a two-inch-thick supplementary package.
Based on personal preference and knowledge of memory foam and its potential for creating positive lifestyle change, some people will find memory foam toppers to be sufficient while others will settle for no less than the full memory foam mattress experience.
It can be successfully argued that a memory foam topper is an improvement over a plain innerspring mattress. After all, anything that offers any degree of relief from the painful pressure points that are endemic to traditional mattresses is an improvement. But memory foam mattress toppers can only blunt the negative attributes of innerspring mattresses to a certain extent.
A memory foam mattress topper may provide a couple of inches of body absorbing buffer between user and mattress, but its effect is going to be stunted by the fact that hard metal springs still reside just below. So, the answer to the question is, yes, memory foam mattress toppers do work to a degree; however, the product’s overall worth is debatable.
Less uncertain, is the answer when applied to memory foam mattresses. These innovated sleep systems have taken the world market by storm due to the unrivaled ability to provide total support and comfort without a metal framework or springs.
Memory foam mattresses are a solid mass of millions of open cells derived from a polyurethane or plant-based mixture. The cells collapse under body weight and when warmed by touch to evenly support the user in a body-contouring effect.
Bottom line: Using a memory foam mattress toppers goes some ways toward improving the sleep experience, but it can’t compare to the overall support and comfort provided by a high quality memory foam mattress.

Memory Foam Is Here To Stay

admin — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:11:06 +0000

Memory foam has never been more successful then it is today. With it’s incredible comfort and quality design, it’s easy to see why. The numbers themselves speak volumes Tempurpedic, the largest supplier of memory foam products in the world, is worth $3.35 billon. Leggett & Platt, Inc., inventor of the spring mattress more than 100 years ago, is worth about the same. This leap in mass production has brought memory foam mattresses to

the forefront of the market.
After its invention in the 1960s, memory foam wasn’t widely advertised in the bedding industry until the early 1990s. At that time it was costly to produce, and was presented in the form of a medical mattress for use in hospitals. Medical products are reputably more expensive than their commercial counterparts, and subject to much greater regulatory inquiry. Medical institutions adored the product, and it soon became omnipresent in hospitals supplying to people with back and musculoskeletal problems.
Now with memory foam almost overtaking the traditional spring mattress and producing billion dollar companies in less then a decade.

How will the industry continue to develop. The answer is simple, memory foam mattresses are here to stay. The future looks bright for memory foam mattresses and the various products offered have immense potential to become more than just a home product. Places such as cruise liners, hotels and yachts have no reason not to utilize the comfort memory foam mattresses can offer to their potential customers.

The memory foam mattress market already has prices that can suit anyone’s need. From lower end memory foam sold at a discounted rate to high end memory foam mattresses with a higher density that sell at a reasonable price there is an opportunity for everyone to experience the comfort and support a memory foam mattress can give.

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Memory Foam Topper

admin — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:24:53 +0000

The appeal of memory foam is great as more and more consumers have been introduced to this new technology that has – and this is no exaggeration – revolutionized the bedding industry. As interest has grown, more and more memory foam products have become available, creating both competition and additional choice for those who want to give memory foam a try.
Aside from memory foam pillows, memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers are the most popular. As both of these products have vastly different appeal, personal preference will ultimately rate high in the final decision regarding which is best.
There are two main differences between memory foam mattresses and toppers – level of comfort and cost.
Because a mattress is comprised entirely of memory, obviously this will be the choice that provides the greatest body contouring and therefore the greatest satisfaction to the customer. The trade-off is that memory foam mattresses are significantly more expensive than toppers that basically consist of a mat-like covering that lies on top of a traditional spring mattress. While memory foam toppers do provide an additional layer of comfort to a spring mattress, they are not capable of providing the full memory foam experience in the way a mattress can.
For people who may want to try out memory foam without making a significant commitment, a topper may be ideal. This could also be the case for people without the financial means to purchase a brand new mattress.
But when you get down to it, there really isn’t a true comfort comparison between these two products.
Mattresses will always be superior due to basic construction that mixes (in most cases) varying densities of memory foam for maximum support, comfort and durability. While the memory foam topper is certainly likely to add a layer of support and comfort, it cannot entirely eliminate the pressure points that result from innerspring mattress coils pushing against the body as weight is applied. And that is probably why you are considering memory foam in the first place.

Reasons To Invest In A Memory Foam Mattress

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:32:04 +0000

If there were such thing as a high performance sleep system, a memory foam mattress would surely be it. There are many reasons to invest in this new technology including comfort, value, durability, convenience and therapeutic value.
Memory foam mattresses have only been available on the retail market for about 20 years, but during that time an unmatched reputation for quality has grown among fans around the world.
Here are some of the main reasons a memory foam mattress is a good investment:
• Comfort – Memory foam is comprised of a polyurethane or vegetable-based substance that supports body weight using millions of tiny open cells instead of metal springs. The bubbles soften when warmth is applied and collapse so you sink slightly into the mattress and weight is evenly distributed. The result is a contouring effect that cradles the body to eliminate the painful pressure points frequently associated with traditional mattresses.
• Durability – A memory foam mattress will retain its best qualities for 20 years or more with proper care and use. Conversely, an innerspring mattress becomes less comfortable and may need to be replaced within just a few years of purchase. Because of the limited shelf life of traditional mattresses, many people are forced to endure sore, sleepless nights because they can’t justify replacing a bed because it feels as if it was just purchased. Even after well over a decade of use, memory foam mattresses generally show no discernable change in level of comfort.
• Value – Memory foam mattresses have become more affordable in recent years as more companies such as tempurpedic have entered the marketplace offering competing products. Today, comparable memory foam and traditional mattresses are very close in price; however, the extended durability of memory foam tips the scale making it a far better investment.
• Convenience – Memory foam does not transfer of energy from movements. That means someone who gets up during the night or tosses and turns won’t disturb their partner on the other side of the bed.
• Therapeutic value – Not only is memory foam more comfortable than traditional mattresses; unique body contouring properties encourage proper circulation and restful sleep that will rejuvenate body and mind.