Do Memory Foam Mattresses Get Bed Bugs?

They are disgusting.

There's no denying it. Those little creepy crawlies that feed solely on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals, and make their homes in the comfort of your bed send a shudder through the spine.

Have you ever wondered what a bed bug actually is, other than something to cringe at?
There are around 108 species of these bugs, but the most common - the Cimex lectularius (found in temperate climates) - is well adapted to human environments, and brave enough to make its home in your mattress.

So what do they look like?

Do you really want to know? Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, flat, oval, and have no wings. They have microscopic hairs covering their bodies, and a large adult can grow up to 5mm in length and 3mm in width. Babies are translucent and lighter in colour, but become darker as they mature.

The Common Bed Bug. Gross.

By nature, bed bugs are blood suckers. Typically, if one if sucking the blood of a human, it's because no other prey is available. They usually feed just before dawn since they don't like sunlight, but have been known to feed during the day. They're attracted to us because of the carbon dioxide we emit, as well as our body heat.

"That's sick. But how do they get up onto the bed?"

That's the gross part... they either crawl up, or they drop down from the ceiling or a wall. When they feed, they inject a small amount of anesthetic into the skin with one tube, and extract the blood with another tube for about 5 minutes before retreating back to their hiding places. The anesthetic is what causes the itching sensation when you notice the bite later on.
These bugs can live for 5 months to a whole year depending on the climate. The warmer and more conducive to feeding it is, the shorter their lifespan. A bed bug can survive in temperatures between 16°C and 45°C. Oddly enough, they can live up to a year without feeding.

Now that you have a clear picture of these creatures, the question remains...

Do memory foam mattresses get bed bugs?

Because memory foam mattresses are made from a more solid core and don't have convenient hiding places, bed bugs aren't as tempted to set up shop. It's your headboard, bed base and sheets that you need to worry about, since they like to hide in small, enclosed spaces.

They're are also found in spring mattresses, since they have many crevices and allow the bugs a lot of roaming space. DDT is a powerful chemical that has kept the critters away for decades, but unfortunately, there is worry that the insects have developed a resistance to the stuff. The best solution for getting rid of bed bugs in your spring mattress is to get rid of the mattress itself.

Bed Bug Infestation
 

Helenka Prochazka manages NovosBed, the world's best Memory Foam Mattress company.
 

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Importance of Foam Packaging

While considering the popularity of different upholstery products and raw materials, no one would deny with the fact that foam has become extensively popular in the recent times. The reason for such usage of foam on a rampant basis is the ability of foam to resist and act as suspension. Hence, foam cushions are provided to almost every type of electronic item, whether it is for electronic appliances like refrigerators or for electronic gadgets like laptops. The foam packaging helps to keep the things intact in place. Transport of the products from the manufacturing units of the multinational companies spread all over the world has become a norm.

This is because of the fact that people nowadays want the best thing available to suit their needs. The compact nature of the world has made it possible for the multinational companies to compete on the global platform to get the share of potential consumers from all over the world. However, one thing which comes in between the multinational companies and their potential consumers spread globally, in between the consumers and satisfaction of their needs is the care for the products which are to be transported and delivered from one corner to other corner of the world. The foam cut to size of the materials to be transported ensures the safety of the product.

The foam cushions not only provide the necessary safety from the harsh travelling but they also provide safety from the harsh climate. It helps the gadgets to be away from water contact. One of the newly discovered advantages of foam packaging is for protecting and providing suspension to various things during moving from one place to other. Nowadays, the world is home to everyone and people are often found to move from one place to another. Along with people, it is obvious that people will have their things moved to the new place. The foam cut to size of all the different things ensures the safety of the materials being move from the prior place to a new destination.

In this context of innovative and improvising usage of foam, one cannot overrule the foam popularity in the upholstery section. In fact, the foam cushions have grown in popularity by the addition of a new category of transport friendly cushions. People have started putting in thinking on the design of the cushions. The foam cut to size impeccably can help to provide better body support.

People have become increasingly cautious about the interiors of their place, whether it is home or office place. The multiple styles available in the foam packaging and even the customising option have made this fact very apparent. All these things suggest bright future for foam industry.
 

Hardly anyone will deny with the fact that good comfort and good foam cushions always go hand on hand. There are various advantages of having a cushion with perfect foam cut to size.
 

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Best Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

What if there was way that would allow you to select a few brands of mattresses, that interest you and perform your own test. You could pit them up against a hard and fast checklist, of the things that make up quality memory foam, and then, make your selection based on these facts.

That's what this article is all about and I hope you gain the insight you came for.

There are tons of things you need to know but the essentials are:

In what country was the foam manufactured?

What is the density of the foam?

What is the thickness of the memory foam layer itself?

Is there a low risk test period?

Knowing these things will certainly help you in the decision because getting any one of them wrong could ruin your day.

Do you know that foam manufactured in foreign countries has been known to smell horribly?

Because of the different toxic chemicals that are allowed in other countries, you might never be rid of the smell. Foams manufactured in the USA have strict guidelines regarding non-toxic ingredients. Check with the company you're considering buying from and make sure they use American foam. Some firms buy foreign foam, make a cover in America and advertise it as American made, so be careful.

Next, foam density is critical. (I go into the way that it's measured in other articles)

Just be aware that anything less than 4 lbs. density isn't suitable for a mattress or topper.

The mattresses with the best support for your body will be made using the 5 lb. density foams.

Another benefit of the higher density foams is that they last much longer. A rule of thumb is 10 years for 4 lb. and 20 years for 5 lb.

The thickness of the memory foam is critical. I see 14" thick mattresses with only 3" of memory foam on top.

That's just totally unnecessary. You're being led to believe that a 14" mattress is better and you're being charged as though there was a lot of memory foam in it.

In actuality, an 8" mattress with 3" of memory foam would be just as good as they 18" because it's the memory foam that makes it so comfortable.

Base foam is necessary for proper support as well but no more than 5 to 6" is necessary under the memory foam layer(s). You might want a taller mattress so that's OK if you are charged a little more for that height.

All of this won't matter a bit if you don't like your mattress.

That's why I always insist on a dealer who allows for a low risk return of the mattress with at least a 30 day test period.

You don't want to spend a gazillion dollars on a mattress that you hate only to find out that you can't return it.

I've ran into this many times with people who contacted me for help but there was nothing to be done even though they had spent in excess of $4,000.

I hope this memory foam mattress buying guide has been helpful.
 

Jessica Harrisson is a free spirited lover of all things rich. Fine wine, elegant china and anything else that pampers. Her search for better sleep brought her to the wonderful world of memory foam and she has been spoiled ever since. She now wants everyone to experience the best memory foam mattress to spoil their body. Jessica may receive compensation if you purchase your mattress at the above website.
 

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Memory Foam Mattress: A Major Determinant To The Health Of Your Backbone

Your backbone plays a vital role in the proper functioning of all body parts. There are 33 vertebrae in the spine. Your backbone is so sensitive that a sudden jerk or your inappropriate positioning can be detrimental to your backbone.

The determinants of your back's health

There are many factors that can badly affect your backbone directly and indirectly. Some of the primary factors are listed below:

· The quality of your mattress.

· The sleeping position.

· The sitting posture.

· The walking and standing style.

Let's explain them in detail. Mattress is one of the key determinants of the health of your backbone. A good mattress is the one that strengthens the muscles of your back whilst a poor quality mattress is the one that ruins the health of your backbone. The quality mattress keeps your backbone in its natural position whilst an inferior mattress fails to maintain the natural order of your backbone. An inferior quality mattress is uncomfortable because it is designed without considering the shape of the human backbone.

The second factor which can adversely affect your backbone is your sleeping posture. If you want to avoid back pain, then you have to stop sleeping on your stomach. The best position is to sleep on your sides or on your back because it relaxes the backbone.

A man has to spend most of his time in sitting position due to the nature of his daily activities. A poor sitting posture directly hits the lower portion of your backbone. As the result of this, you have to suffer from lower back pain. The rate of the lower back pain attack is very high as compared to the attack of the upper back pain. Usually, orthopaedic doctors recommend back pain patients to buy a quality mattress instead of inferior because the later adversely affects the health of the backbone.

On the same lines, improper and sudden movements while standing, running or walking can also cause you a lower back pain.

Forms of the mattresses

A mattress is the most important commodity of the bedroom because it makes your bed a comfortable piece of the furniture. There are numerous types of the mattresses available in the market, today. Some of the common forms of mattresses are: spring mattress, air mattress, and a foam mattress.

The memory foam mattress

The memory foam mattress is the foam mattress which is made of polyurethane. The polyurethane is a polymer, which is used in a high resiliency seating because of its high viscosity and density. This foam offers many advantages as it was basically designed for NASA astronauts. Later, people started using it in the foam making.

In few words, you should not even think of a poor quality mattress as it does not only harm you but also your kids, who need a lot of care. So, there is no reason, why you should buy an inferior quality mattress if you value the health of your backbone in a real sense.
 

To know more about the memory foam mattress visit: http://www.memoryfoamexpress.co.uk/
 

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Gel Memory Foam - 3 Reasons You Need to Consider Memory Foam

The newest innovation in mattresses is gel, and it's really taking off. However, if you're not one to jump on a bandwagon, you're probably wondering if it's worth the extra cost. There are health benefits of gel memory, sleeping on one of these mattresses can improve your sleep, your pain, your life.

Reason #1: It has all the same health benefits as regular memory foam.

It reduces pressure points by evening out pressure over the entire body and sleep surface. Even side sleepers have less hip and shoulder pain by sleeping on memory foam. It increases circulation, and therefore is great for people with arthritis or circulation issues. It also provides natural spinal alignment, and can relieve back and neck pain. These mattresses also aid in reducing motion transfer, which allows undisturbed sleep for both partners. These beds also last on average twice as long as innerspring mattresses, and have a much higher level of customer satisfaction.

Reason #2: The addition of gel often makes the foam firmer.

A complaint that people have when they sleep on regular memory foam is that the mattress is too soft, and too conforming. While there are memory foam beds on the market that are firmer and quicker reaction, like Comforpedic, another option is gel. The addition of gel to memory foam often firms up the foam, and makes it less quicksand-like. Gel is still highly conforming, and it does not change the pressure relieving quality of the foam, but it does keep the sleeper more on top of the bed, rather than sinking into it. This makes the mattress easier to move around on, and can reduce the possibility of back strain, or muscle pain from trying to move on a very soft and conforming mattress.

Reason #3: Sleeping hot equals not sleeping at all.

The number one fear that people have regarding sleeping is that they are going to sleep hot. This was the purpose that gel was introduced into memory foam. Gel regulates temperature, by absorbing excess heat and storing it. That is infused with gel is cool to the touch, and remains cool throughout the night; it also increases air circulation. The health benefit is this: if you don't get enough sleep, due to being warm, it can affect more than just your mood the next day. You can lose energy, become lethargic, you are more likely to get sick and miss work. Often lack of sleep can cloud the brain, and make critical thinking impossible, and quick reaction s slower. Additionally, people who go an extended period with poor sleep are more susceptible to depression.

Gel memory foam, like that used in Comforpedic mattresses, can make mattresses more appealing and wide-reaching. It takes away the top two complaints that people have of memory foam, and can allow more people to experience the support and pressure relief it provides. By making the foam firmer, and keeping the sleeper cooler, it improves the sleeping experience.
 

DrSnooze is a Memory Foam Mattress Specialist/Dealer at Ocala,FL. 3 Top reasons to Sleep on Gel Memory Foam Mattress as like Comforpedic Mattresses. Spring Sale is on - Save upto 50%+15% (additional discounts) on Major Simmons Mattress Brands.
 

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Innerspring Or Foam Mattress For Your Newborn Baby?

It has been said time and again that newborn babies need restful and undisturbed sleep. Almost all their time is spent sleeping which is essential for their proper body and brain development. This is why a reliable mattress is called for.

So which is the best mattress for a newborn? Is it an innerspring mattress for a foam mattress? I'd say go for the latter but that still depends on a lot of things.

Experts suggest the use of sturdier and firmer mattresses with integrated edges. This way, your baby can get the support he or she greatly needs. A plush and super soft mattress prevents them from making easy movements. Reports also say that a soft mattress contributes to a condition called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

In between innerspring and foam mattress, foam mattresses are firmer. Visco elastic foam and latex are good choices. They provide a supportive mattress surface. If you decide to go for any of these, pick one that is not too firm. A semi-firm mattress that can still cushion the lower part of their body is a good choice.

With either mattress, you need to pick one with a density of 4 pounds. This way, there is a balance in comfort and support. Also, your baby can still feel cradled.

The downside to this mattress is the cost. The adult mattresses for these are quite costly so the baby mattresses are the same. This is why many still go for innerspring mattresses.

This is a cheaper alternative. It can also provide support as long as you are getting one that has not been integrated with so many springs. The more springs incorporated, the softer the mattress gets.

Lesser springs mean they are significantly thicker. This is to make up for more space inside the mattress. In this way, it can provide a supportive mattress surface. Pick one that has sturdier edges. With sturdier edges, the mattress will still provide the right amount of support even if they move close to the edge of the mattress.

You also have to consider the brand you are getting. Pick one from a reliable brand. In this way, if you have problems with the mattress, the manufacturing company can help you solve the issue.
Ponder on these things when you are looking for a good mattress for your newborn baby. If you have your baby's comfort and support in mind, you can be vigilant with your choices.
 

For more King Koil mattress, tips and advice on choosing a mattress for you and your family, please visit http://www.bestmattressreviews.com now.
 

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Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Memory foam may seem like a totally new product to most people, but in fact it has been obtainable commercially for more than forty years. From the early days until quite recently it was mainly obtainable in the form of mattresses, pillows, cushions and the type of padding that you get on doctors' couches and wheel chairs. It was very expensive, so it was not considered to be commercially viable for the mass market.

That has all altered over recent years as production costs tumbled. These days, almost anyone can afford a mattress, mattress topper or cushion manufactured out of memory foam.

Memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers help many people to rest comfortably and sleep well because memory foam moulds itself to the contours of the body, thus supporting the body on a greater surface area than a standard mattress or cushion would.

Memory foam mattress toppers are a means of converting your present regular mattress into a memory foam mattress and they are cheaper than the full job as well. They can help people with bad backs or sore joints, sufferers of arthritis and gout and people who perspire a lot. These toppers can help those who perspire a lot because memory foam 'breathes' unlike traditional foam.

A true memory foam mattress is designed to give maximum comfort in the way described above and is the correct thickness for that purpose, but a mattress topper is like a conversion kit, so can it honestly convert a regular mattress into a memory foam mattress? This is a tricky question, because the answer, as it so often is, is that it depends.

It depends on two things: the sort of mattress that you are setting the topper on and the quality of that topper.

Firstly, in order to be effective the topper has to be on a fairly firm surface or it will only sink into the existing mattress and most of the advantages it can supply will be lost or absorbed into the mattress beneath.

Secondly, the topper has to be deep enough so that you can sink into it without hitting the bottom so to speak. If it is not thick enough, it would be like trying to float in a bath tub. If you have to, you could place a sheet of plywood on your mattress first to stiffen it up.

Most memory foam mattress toppers on the market are two inches thick and this is certainly the minimum you need for it to be effectual. Less than that is probably a waste of money, unless it is intended for a baby. By the same token, three or four inches is a lot better, particularly if the user is on the weighty side.

The foam also has differing density. The low density foams, 2.5-3.5 lb foam, reacts more to body heat and so is usually better for light people, whereas the high density foam, 5 lbs and above react to heat and pressure (or weight) so are more effectual for heavier people.

One last point, if you use an existing mattress topper manufactured from something else, you will not be able to place it on top of your memory foam mattress topper.
 

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on a number of subjects, but is now involved with the Visco Elastic Mattress. If you would like to know more, please visit our website at Egg Crate Mattress Pad for sale.
 

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