Sleeping in Comfort: Choosing the Right Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers are commonly used in providing more comfort to your sleep by softening and improving a mattress that is too hard or too firm while still supporting your body. As they are generally soft themselves, most of these toppers do not work in improving a sagging mattress. For this case, a new mattress is what you need instead of a new topper.

However, mattress toppers are favored by many for being more convenient and inexpensive than a whole new mattress. They are easily transportable and won't cost you a lot. To get the right foam mattress topper, there are several things to consider when selecting one.

1. Size
Just like beds, mattresses, bed sheets, and covers, foam mattress toppers also come in different sizes. Commonly the toppers come in twin, full, Queen, King, or California sizes. As different companies may have slightly different measurements of bed size, it is strongly suggested that you measure the width and length of the mattress for which you want to get a new foam topper. This way you can ensure the fit of the topper and the mattress will match perfectly for better sleeping quality.

2. Thickness
Toppers for mattresses are sold in different thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 inches. One-inch or two-inch foam toppers will provide a more comfortable feeling to your sleep, while 3-inch and 4-inch ones can help improve the texture and feel of your bed. Most people go with 3-inch or 4-inch toppers for a comfortable sleeping experience. However, people with a lower budget or those who sleep on their stomach tend to prefer 2-inch toppers or toppers which are less thick.

3. Density
Density refers to the weight of one cubic foot of a foam mattress. The higher the density, the better your foam mattress topper in providing body support, conforming to body weight, and responding to body temperature. Denser foam is also more durable than the less dense types. People with body and joint pain are more comfortable with foam toppers with a density of 4 pounds or more. On the other hand, those who have no joint disorders or any orthopedic problems would commonly be most comfortable with a 3-pound density.

4. Types
There are two types of foam mattress toppers; those made from latex and from memory foam. Latex toppers are made from the pure sap of rubber trees, therefore are natural, porous, and biodegradable. On the other hand, memory foams are polyurethane products derived from petroleum. Regardless of the material, both types provide luxury comfort and great support to your spine, shoulders, neck, and limbs. Both latex and memory foam are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mites, mold, and dust. The main difference between both types is that latex toppers are springy and lively feeling, while memory foams toppers are rather stiff.

5. Cover
Although naturally hypoallergenic, foam mattress toppers attract dust, stain, and dirt easily. Therefore, protecting them with additional cover is highly recommended. Choose covers made from 100% cotton for your sleeping comfort. The covers are also helpful in slowing the degradation of latex and resisting tear in memory foams. With convenient zippers, these cotton covers are easily removed and washed to maintain hygiene. However, make sure to only dry-clean the cover if you do not want your cover to shrink.
 

Foam mattress topper is important in giving you better quality sleep. Come and visit our site to read our Foam Mattress Topper Review
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Understanding the Different Mattress Comfort Levels

Your comfort preferences must be the first thing you have to consider when choosing a mattress, along with mattress support. Do you like firm mattresses? Or do you sleep better on a softer bed surfaces?

Comfort levels for mattresses can be categorized as: Soft, Medium, and Firm. When you are shopping for a new mattress, it is vital to understand the different comfort levels that can offer back support and provide you comfort while sleeping. It is also essential to understand the difference between comfort and support. Support is the ability of the mattress to resist the downward pressure. A good mattress can sense the weight of your body and then respond with the right upward resistance. Alternatively, comfort is provided through the materials layered on top of the mattress, such as firming pads, high density foams, and so on.

Mattress Comfort Levels

Firm: A firm mattress has a top surface which is topped with materials that offers an unyielding surface. This comfort level features multiple layers of high quality elements that offer support, durability, and long term comfort.

Cushion Firm: This is a step above firm mattresses. It has a bit more depth to its surface feel. It has additional quilted elements that can enhance comfort support and the mattress' ability to conform to your body.

Plush: It has comfort materials that are layered in a particular method that provides a flexible return push to the sleeping surface. It is constructed with the luxurious combination of plush comfort and excellent support from special materials which are created to have a soft sleeping surface that perfectly contours to the body.

Pillow-Top: This provides an enveloping softness to the sleep surface. A mattress with this level of comfort is known to offer the ultimate plushness since it has an extra pillow which is added to cradle and support your body.

Dual Comfort: This mattress comfort level is best for those who are sleeping with a partner. This type of mattress has varying levels of comfort with a firm and plush side. This different comfort levels are meant to fulfill your and your partner's comfort needs.

The levels of comfort mentioned above are based on the mattress' ability to relieve pressure from your body. When choosing a mattress, it is also advisable to test the mattress before buying it. If you are sleeping with a partner, bring him/her along while you shop for the right mattress. In doing so, you will find out the best comfort level that will suit your preferences.
 

The writer of this article lists down the different Parklane mattresses comfort levels that consumers can choose from. She also writes for reputable Vancouver Mattress Store that offers high quality mattresses.
 

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What's the Most Comfortable Mattress? Results From Latest Bed Research May Surprise You

Everyone wants to know: What's the most comfortable mattress?

There's good reason to want to know the answer. An uncomfortable mattress can bring misery and long, sleepless nights. A comfortable mattress, by contrast, can bring years of blissful and rejuvenating slumber.

The answer largely depends on each person's personal preferences. In other words, it's unlikely that one mattress would be comfortable for everyone.

As a group, however, people tend to find some mattresses more comfortable than others.

How do I know this? My research team has spent hundreds of hours scouring through dozens of online message boards collecting data from thousands of people about what they think of their mattresses.

The results are interesting and may not be what you expect.

According to the research results as of early 2008, let's look at how popular mattresses rank in terms of comfort, counting down from number 10. (The type of mattress is indicated in the parentheses.)

10. Simmons Beautyrest (innerspring) -- This mattress, like all of the innerspring mattresses included in the research, did not score very well compared to other types of mattresses. This is mainly because many owners, according to the data, indicated that the bed had premature sagging. Premature sagging is loss of support to a degree that notably lessens the comfort of the mattress and takes place within three years of purchase.

9. Serta (innerspring) -- Like the other innerspring mattresses, it did not score highly because of premature sagging.

8. Kingsdown (innerspring) -- Like the other innerspring mattresses, it too did not score highly because of premature sagging.

7. Sealy Posturepedic (innerspring) -- This mattress had the highest comfort rating among innerspring mattresses and had the fewest reports of premature sagging among innersprings.

6. Tempur-pedic (memory foam) -- All of the memory foam mattresses in the research scored well, including this mattress. However, some of its owners said that its comfort was undermined by premature sagging and retention of body heat.

5. Sleep Number (air bed) -- This mattress, the research found, generally has owners who either passionately love the bed (the majority) or passionately hate the bed.

4. Novaform (memory foam) -- This mattress was rated by the clear majority of its owners to be comfortable as well as affordable. However, it did have problems that were similar to those of Tempur-pedic.

3. Waterbed -- Although waterbeds are currently not as popular as memory foam and air mattresses, the clear majority of waterbed owners liked the comfort of their bed, as well as the durability.

2. Comfortaire (air bed) -- The vast majority of Comfortaire mattress owners found it to be comfortable and durable.

1. Bergad / Isoform (memory foam) -- Over 90% of the owners of this mattress found it comfortable and generally without some of the issues that the other memory foam mattresses had.

For more mattress ratings based on our research, visit Top Rated Beds or Bed Reviews The information is free.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Robinson

Before You Buy, Know The Facts About A Stearns And Foster Mattress

Stearns and Foster has a reputation of making the best innerspring mattresses in America. While, this may well be true, you should know exactly what you're buying so you can be absolutely sure if a Stearns and Foster is the best mattress for you. Should you buy a euro-top model and do you really need a boxspring?

A good quality mattress costs a lot of money and a Stearns and Foster mattress costs even more. So, if you're thinking of spending that much money, you need to be 100% certain that you've made the right choice in your selection of mattress. And, while there's no arguing that the company makes a good product, you shouldn't necessarily believe all the 'sales pitch'. By not opting for optional extras, you can literally save yourself hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of dollars.

But, what are these 'extras' you may or may not want? In order to best understand, you first need a quick guide on what makes a Stearns and Foster mattress, or any innerspring mattress for that matter.

You'll often hear the term 'mattress set' when you begin your search. A mattress set can be broken down into two main parts; the mattress and the boxspring. The mattress can then be further broken down into 3 sections; let's talk about this first.

An innerspring mattress begins with a top layer often called the 'mattress style'. Basically, you have various surface fabrics ranging from synthetic nylon, through to Damask, wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca etc. The more expensive the material, the more expensive the mattress. In all honesty you're paying for how the mattress looks; one covered with a synthetic material is just as good and will last as long as one covered in the finest silk. You have to ask yourself is it worth paying for how something looks when that something is always going to be covered.

The top layer of a mattress comes in 5 styles. The first is the basic Tight Top; this is the no-frills version. Second, we have Pillow Top; a layer of comfort materials is added on top of the Tight Top. It's attached with gusseted corners that give it a pillow shape. Thirdly, we have the Euro Pillow Top; same as Pillow Top but with more filling. Fourthly, a Euro Top is the same as a Euro Pillow Top but it's not gusseted but attached directly on to the mattress. Lastly, the Box Top is very thick and is also directly attached to the mattress.

The latter 4 styles are becoming increasingly popular as many appreciated the extra layer of comfort and many tops now also feature materials like latex and memory foam. Whether you should buy one is your decision, however, many have reported that such tops can quickly begin to sag. If this happens you will have to change the whole mattress, even though the innerspring may be perfectly okay.

Below the surface layer there's the Comfort Layer. This contains various types of material to help to make the mattress feel comfy. Materials include wool, foam, latex and memory foam.

The bottom layer is what provides the support. Currently, a Stearns and Foster mattress offers two types of support; innerspring and latex. Whichever you choose, you will be getting the best. The innerspring version contains its 504 Progressive Support Coils that are double offset with 12 3/4 gauge high-carbon steel. They are also twice tempered which helps them retain their shape better and for longer. Latex is becoming popular once again; it's hypoallergenic and conforms to the sleeper's body shape.

Which type you choose is a personal choice. Many like the body conforming properties of a latex or memory foam mattress while others don't like how it feels at all and prefer the traditional inner spring system.

Finally, this brings us to the boxspring. Stearns and Foster say they still firmly believe that one should buy a 'complete sleep set', meaning they want you to buy not only the mattress but also the boxspring to accompany it. They claim it will give even better support and add more durability to the mattress.

I really have to disagree on this. In Europe, boxsprings are almost unheard of and we don't seem to hear them complaining. Also, with a mattress like a Stearns and Foster, that is sometimes more than 12" thick and needs two people to carry it, it really ought to be good enough to support the sleeper. Other companies, selling latex and memory foam mattresses, don't recommend a boxspring, so why Stearns and Foster recommends one for its innerspring and latex versions is debatable. I sometimes wonder if it's just a ploy on making more money by making customers believe they need this 'extra' support.

My advice is to certainly go ahead and buy a Stearns and Foster mattress, but save your self a lot of money and decline the offer of the boxspring.

When it comes to innerspring, Stearns and Foster can rightly claim to make the best mattress. But before buying, think about the covering fabric and ask yourself if you really need silk, and think also about the mattress style and if a pillow top is a good idea in the long term and definitely question the need for a boxspring.
 

Follow the links for the Stearns and Foster mattress and learn more about the memory foam mattress and judge for your self which is the best bed mattress.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Cassidy

Will Gel Beds Be the New Memory Foam?

It all started with the Serta iComfort in 2011. The internet lit up with reviews and comments about the new technology. They were quoted as "new memory foam" on the market. Of course, they aren't memory foam; they're gel. But this small technicality isn't stopping mattress manufacturers from getting a piece of the gel bed pie.

Sealy has recently disclosed that they too are planning to release a gel bed in mid-2012. It has been fondly named the Sealy Optimium Mattress. Consumers can already research the mattress on various mattress review sites and while very little is known about the new contender, the prognosis looks good.

So what exactly is a gel bed? How is it different from foam? Let's explore the claims....

One of the biggest complaints behind memory foam is the lack of heat dissipation. Studies have shown that sleeping cooler promotes better quality sleep and most consumers find that memory foam simply sleeps too hot.

Gel infused beds claim to dissipate heat 12 times more effectively than foam mattresses. Obviously, this leads to a cooler sleeping surface than memory foam. But does this mean that gel beds will be cool enough for everyone? Not necessarily. Only time will tell just how well gel beds fit into the "hotter sleeping" individuals on the market.

Another common complaint with memory foam is the rate at which it starts to wear down. Since foam mattresses lack springs, the only thing providing support to the sleeper is the foam core. Once this breaks down, premature sagging can occur. This can lead to aches and pains in the morning as well as difficulty falling asleep, if the sagging becomes severe.

The Optimium by Sealy is said to have a thicker, higher density core than traditional foam mattresses.
The increased density would take longer to wear down, which could lead to better long-term support for the consumer.

Last, but definitely not least, the price is often an issue with memory foam. While there are discount memory foam options available, like the Dynasty and Novaform mattresses, only a select few discount foam mattresses can even begin to contend with the cream of the crop TempurPedic mattress. TempurPedic, of course, is rather expensive and many consumers who consider purchasing memory foam are quickly turned off by the price.

Sealy plans to offer the Optimium for $1,300 to $3000, depending on the size. And that's for the model that contains only gel. Sealy also plans to offer other models that contain a combination of memory foam and gel-infused foam for their more budget constricted customers. While the prices are still a little hefty for some, it may be a bit of a relief for anyone that has avoided memory foam, based on the steep price tag. This may be especially true for those that opt for the "affordable" model.

So what do you do with all of this information? How do you determine if a gel bed is right for you? Well, the first and foremost thing on your list should be trying one out to see if you actually like it. Really, that's about the only thing you can do right now. The reviews for gel beds are still very minimal since the technology is still fairly new. It would be a bit of a risk, but if you're a risk taker and the mattress feels like what you're looking for, it seems that there really isn't much to lose by getting in on the gel bed action.
 

Cathy Givans is a professional freelance copywriter. She specializes in writing about parenting, vegan and vegetarian diets, health, nutrition, green living, eco-friendly living, gardening, non-toxic lifestyles, medical topics and news articles. She is not limited to these topics or types of writing, however. She also offers a wide range of services to suit the needs of almost any client. Through her writing ventures, she has had the opportunity to work with clients like qMattresses.com, which offers consumers unbiased, in-depth mattress reviews on more than 50 top name-brand mattresses
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_C_Givans

Natural Memory Foam Mattresses - Why Are They So Healthy?

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. So it is really important to choose the right mattress. A quality mattress will ensure a good night's rest so we wake up refreshed and ready for the busy day ahead. Natural memory foam mattresses (this means memory foam mattresses made from natural latex) are a healthy choice for a number of reasons.

They provide a Comfortable Night's Rest

Did you know in today's European market, memory foam mattresses far outsell traditional spring mattresses?

Natural memory foam mattresses are a popular alternative to inner-spring mattresses because they provide such fantastic comfort and support. They distribute body weight evenly which greatly reduces pressure points and improves circulation to give you a better night's sleep.

They Help Ward Off Dust Mites

Coil mattresses with natural padding are a cheaper option, but not necessarily the healthiest. Why? The spring system acts as an incubator for dust mites, mould and mildew. This is why spring mattresses double in weight after a decade. Skin, dust and dust mite feces collect in this damp and dark area.

A natural latex mattress is perfect because there is no open area for dust mites to accumulate or reproduce. There will always be dust mites, but the aim is to reduce them to a 'normal' level.

They are Organic and Natural

Did you know a quarter of the world's pesticides are used for cotton crops? To make just one T-shirt, a quarter of a pound of pesticides are used. That's why choosing organic makes a massive difference for our health and environment.

Natural memory foam mattresses are made using organic fabrics. When selecting your mattress, make sure your mattress is organic all the way through from top, fill and back. Choose unbleached organic cotton with organic fill and organic dyes and steer clear of harsh chemically treated fabrics.

Natural memory foam mattresses are made from natural latex as opposed to either synthetic or a blend of natural and synthetic content. Natural latex foam comes from rubber tree sap that has been frothed up and baked. It is so appealing because it is healthy, has a life-span of 20 plus years and maintains its consistency, unlike synthetics which dry out and break down.

Natural memory foam mattresses contain organic fill or batting. This is what is inside a mattress over the springs or latex foam. Organic cotton or wool are batting you will find in a natural or healthy mattress. Most natural mattresses are quite firm. Natural latex is a fairly firm rubbery foam. Fibres soften the surface of a spring or natural latex mattress. By topping the mattress, it helps provide a more comfortable night's sleep.

No Toxic Fire Retardants

Did you know every mattress sold in the United States must have enough fire retardant to withstand a two foot wide blow torch open flame for 70 seconds?
Natural memory foam mattresses do not contain toxic fire retardants.

How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are so popular as they contour the body, so they reduce spinal pressure and provide excellent comfort and support.

When choosing your natural memory foam mattress it is important to know what to look for. Here are a few things you need know before you buy:

Foam Density

Contrary to popular belief, foam density has more to do with durability - its lifespan - rather than the feel of a mattress. A five pound per cubic foot memory foam mattress will outlast a three pound memory by an average of a decade.

Most high end mattresses have a five to seven pound density foam.

But beware when buying as many companies boast a 5 lb memory foam but do not state this only makes up the first inch of the mattress. In many cases the rest of the layers are only 2 or 3 lb density.

What is mmHG?

This is the unit of measurement used to establish a mattress' reaction against pressure. Blood circulation becomes an issue in the 30 mHg range. In the Healthcare Industry a standard of 32mmHg or lower is thought to be pressure relieving. When you have less press points, it means less tossing and turning and therefore a better night's sleep.

Foam ILD (Indentation Load Deflection)

A mattress ILD ranges from 6 to 40 but most quality memory foam mattresses on the market rate between 10 and 16 ILD. A number of the top memory foam mattresses have several layers within them. Each has a different mmHg which makes the mattress more comfortable because the layers work together. The best quality mattresses usually have multiple layers of foam with different ILDs.

Find Out where the Mattress is Made

Many mattress companies say their product is made in US or Canada, when really their product was imported from foreign countries and assembled in Canada or the US. This is to save costs.
As tests are rarely performed on imported mattress components, is it hard to tell what chemicals have been used before product exportation.

Some materials and chemicals still in use abroad have been linked to cancer, lung disease and can impair development in the brain or central nervous system.
 

4Living sell the UK's first natural memory foam mattresses from Essentia. Made from 100 percent natural latex rubber, they have all the benefits of memory foam without the toxic ingredients.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Matten

Latex Mattress Reviews - How Do Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses Compare?

Shopping for a bed these days can be very confusing, with so many types of mattresses available to choose from. Do you want a water bed? How about an air mattress or a standard spring mattress? Maybe you are ready to spoil yourself and go for total luxury with the best latex mattress or memory foam mattress. Or maybe you would rather save some money and get a latex mattress topper instead. It that is your goal you will probably want to read some memory foam or latex mattress reviews beforehand. No two mattresses are alike and making a decision as to which one is best for you might take some effort.

The two things that people look at most are price and comfort. It would seem that price would be easy to establish. After all, you simply need to look at the price tag, right? Wrong. With the huge differences in mattress life expectancies you must figure price in a whole new way. And determining which one is most comfortable is even harder. Comfort is usually a result of foam density and firmness, but the many different levels of softness it can be hard to decide between them.

If you want to compare prices there are two pieces of information that you must have, the price and the number of years you expect the mattress to last. Take the total price and divide it by the number of years and you will come up with a yearly cost for that particular bed. Figuring prices in this fashion makes it easy to compare prices among different types of mattresses. For example, a $1,200 mattress that lasts 12 years will cost you $100 per year. Buying a mattress simply because the price tag says it is less expensive may end up costing you more in the long run.

Memory foam mattresses will generally last about 15 years if they are occasionally flipped over to prevent sagging. Latex mattresses can last much longer and go for 30 years or more without much sagging. If purchase prices are the same the latex bed will cost half as much per year.

When it comes to comfort there are so many variables it will make your head spin. If you are the type that likes to stay cool memory foam is probably not for you. Memory foam mattresses retain more body heat than other bedding types and may be uncomfortable for some people. Latex is cooler because it has tiny holes drilled into it that will improve air flow through the mattress. These small holes, called pin core holes, also decrease friction in the mattress which is one reason why this type of bedding lasts so long.

Memory foam is denser than latex and is typically rated at 5 ILD or higher. Latex foam is usually rated at 4 ILD or lower. If you want a really firm surface you cannot go wrong with a memory mattress. However, an organic latex mattress has plenty of firmness, but still has that spring or bounce to it that makes it a bit softer. This extra softness has a lot to do with those tiny holes we talked about earlier. You can find latex mattresses in all different softness levels from soft, medium, firm, to extra firm depending on the size of the holes.

In addition to price and comfort there are some other factors that you must be aware of before making a final decision. Latex comes from rubber tree sap and is all natural. It is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and resistant to fire, pests, dust mites, and bacterial growth. This makes it an ideal mattress for allergy or asthma sufferers. Memory foam on the other hand is made from chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people. Plus, they are not eco-friendly.

Latex mattresses are not perfect, they do have one disadvantage. They can be very expensive to buy. If they seem too high-priced you can go for latex mattress toppers instead. However, since this type of bedding lasts so long their average yearly cost can be quite low, making them a great value. They are also tremendously heavy which makes them difficult to move if the occasion requires it.

A memory foam mattress is unique in that it conforms to the contours of the human body. This is perhaps the best benefit this type of bed has to offer because it will reduce the amount of pressure on any one body part by distributing the body weight over a wider area. People with lower back pain often find tremendous relief from sleeping on memory foam. Take your time and read a few more memory or latex mattress reviews, before making a decision you will have to live with for a long time.
 

Joshua has loved sleeping on his latex mattress for years. He maintains a mattress website where you can find informational latex mattress reviews, low prices on an organic latex mattress, and how to buy the best latex mattress.
 

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