How to Buy the Best Mattress

The ultimate guide to the best mattress types and brands.

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Mattress Cover Options

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Stained Mattress bedwetting
CC Flickr photo courtesy of duchamp.

A mattress for your bed is something that you can expect to replace after several years as it is not something that lasts forever. However, there are things that you can do to increase the life span of your mattress such as getting a mattress cover. Besides for prolonging the life of your mattress, a mattress cover can also improve the quality of sleep that you are getting each night. There are other benefits to using a mattress cover on your bed.

Choosing a mattress cover for your bed is a way to protect your mattress against dust, fluids such as sweat and even coffee if you have breakfast in bed, and other allergens that might find their way into your mattress. It is hard to know what is the best mattress cover for your bed as there are many different styles and types on the market today.

Choosing a mattress cover can be as difficult and time consuming as choosing the mattress itself. There are a number of things to consider.

When choosing a mattress cover you have to consider if it is waterproof or not. If you have small children or are trying to potty train a toddler then a waterproof mattress cover is something that you need to consider when choosing a cover. This will prevent the mattress from becoming stained and smelly if your child has an accident during nap time or throughout the night. Keeping the mattress free of urine will definitely allow you to keep it longer.

See our post with specific waterproof and allergen proof mattress cover recommendations.

Waterproof mattress covers come in a variety of sizes. In some cases you may only find a cover that is basically a one size fits all type of cover. This may work for some beds, but if you are trying to put this on a twin bed, you may find that you have more mattress cover than you do bed. Waterproof covers traditionally have not been designed for comfort but in recent years this has changed. It’s possible to find mattress covers now that have some padding which can give you a comfortable night’s sleep and protect your mattress.

There are different styles of mattress covers on the market and some are designed to fully cover the bed while others have been made to just cover the top portion of the mattress. Of course, there is a difference in price between the two types. A cover that fits down over the entire mattress offers more protection and therefore costs most. However, the price of a mattress cover is not high and spending a bit of extra money on a good mattress cover now to protect your mattress will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

People often worry if a mattress cover will protect them against everything that can damage or wear out the bed. It is safe to say that there is not product on the market that can do everything but buying a high quality mattress cover is sure to protect you as much as possible.

This is a product that has been created for the sole purpose of protecting your mattress so you can feel assured that it will protect against just about anything. The question “what is the best mattress cover?” will always be asked and the answer depends on your needs – going for a comfortable and waterproof mattress cover is probably the best option.

How to Safely Move Your Mattress

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of edkohler.

When it comes to moving, nothing is more exciting than getting the keys to that new house or apartment, or maybe the thought of making a fresh start in a new city. What is usually not as exciting is the long and backbreaking task of moving all of your belongings and furniture with you. One of the bigger and harder pieces of furniture to move is your bed and mattress.

Mattresses and beds generally pose a special kind of problem when moving to which many of us can relate. Some mattresses can exceed eighty pounds and are very big and bulky. When you try to move them, then start flapping around and are hard to control.

Even worse is when you are moving your nice, expensive mattress and somehow damage it. For some mattresses, this is surprisingly easy to do. A foam mattress can easily pull apart, and waterbeds or air mattresses can get a small hole in them in the blink of an eye. That’s why it is very important to properly protect your mattress before moving it.

Mattress Cover for Moving

The best and most prevalent way to move a mattress safely is by purchasing a mattress cover for moving specifically. These covers are usually just big heavy-duty plastic or vinyl sheets that you can put over your mattress before moving it in or out of a house. This will ensure that a mattress will not catch on anything sharp and potentially rip, tear, or poke a hole. Nobody wants to buy a brand new mattress for his or her new home because a small nail sticking out from the wall decided it wanted to tear your mattress in half.

Not only does a mattress cover protect you mattress from rips and tears, it also protects it from dirt, stains and dust during its moving or storage. It is a very good option that can prevent any unwanted damage done to your mattress and it comes at a very affordable price.

Some Other Tips and Tricks for Moving Your Mattress Safely

Other things you can do to safely move your mattress is to stop it from rubbing against anything while it is moving. This can include using moving pads. A moving pad is just a piece of plastic or other material that you put under your furniture, or in this case your mattress. You can safely pull it across the floor without having to worry about getting it caught on something or wearing it down. If you are moving the mattress by hand, always try to keep it elevated off the ground. This will also stop the mattress from coming into contact with anything that can tear it apart.

Moving to another location can be both fun and stressful. Even with the greatest caution any piece of your furniture may become damaged. Doing everything possible to prevent this from happening should be a priority. When it comes to your mattress whether you are using a mattress bag or cover for moving or following one of the other methods mentioned, it is important to do something to protect your investment.

Mattress Bags – What They Are and why You Need Them?

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mattress bag
CC Flickr photo courtesy of southpaw2305

With the recent outbreak of bed bugs in hotels around the United States and Canada people are being advised to use a mattress bag to protect their mattress, especially in locations such as hotels where a large number of people use the same mattresses.

Mattress bags can also be used when transporting or moving your mattress from one location to another. A mattress bag is commonly used my moving companies to protect your mattress from dust and other things that could damage or ruin the mattress.

Choosing a mattress bag is not difficult as they often come in a variety of sizes or some may be classified as one size fits all. They simply slide on over the mattress and can be taped at one end to thoroughly protect the mattress during transportation. Some people also cover their mattress using mattress bags all year round to give them the added protection from dust and allergens.

Choosing a mattress protector from a moving company is often the best choice as they often use heavy duty mattress bags that will not rip or tear easily. You want something that can be moved around without tearing.

What is it about the mattress bag that enables it to be so effective in protecting your mattress? When choosing a mattress protector you should get one that has been treated with an anti-microbial spray and one that is fire retardant. This type of bag for your mattress can then be used repeatedly. Bags that are made from thin plastic often have to be thrown away after each use. This can get expensive if you used them frequently.

The most commonly used type of bag for your mattress is the brown, heavy duty mattress cover. This bag is the bag of choice amongst moving companies. The purpose of the brown cover is to hide the mattress during transportation. The bag is designed to expand to accommodate mattress of different sizes therefore only requiring you to buy one type. The mattress can be inserted in to the bag easily and often only requires one person; however, two more people may be needed for larger mattresses.

Where Can I Buy A Mattress Bag?

Mattress bags are available for sale online. They are also sold by moving companies. Heavy duty bags can be rented from these companies whereas the plastic covers must be purchased as they are frequently torn when moving the mattress. They are less expensive due to their fragile nature.

If you are using your mattress cover when storing your mattress you must ensure that it is waterproof. This will ensure that no moisture will inside the bag while in storage. It is also a good idea to tape the bag thoroughly on the open end as this will also prevent water from getting it. If you are have a pillow top mattress you may require a special mattress protector. When looking for a bag always ask for help and explain what type of mattress you have to ensure you get the proper cover.

Other Mattress Bag Resources:

If you’re looking for the kind of mattress bag that you use during a move, Uhaul offers them for sale.

Uline is a terrific source for boxes and other shipping supplies, and they also offer a mattress bag for moving.

Want to go heavy duty with your mattress? Forget the mattress bag and go for a mattress box instead.

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Quality Bed Frame

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bed frame
CC Flickr photo courtesy of danhomerick

A bed is not a bed without a quality bed frame. The frame is the part that supports the mattress and the box spring. Bed frames come in a variety of sizes and styles, some with headboards and some without. When choosing a mattress you must also think about the type of bed frame that you will be using to support that mattress.

If you are looking for something simple then you may choose a simple bed frame, if looking for something more decorative for your room then you will be looking at a higher quality bed frame for your room. Choosing a mattress frame depends solely on how much money you are willing to spend. The rule of thumb is the more money you spend the better quality bed frame you will get.

There are several different types of bed frames on the market today that are of good quality and well worth the money that you will spend. The most common type of frame is the metal frame. A metal bed frame is just as the name suggests completely made out of metal. In most cases there is a frame that will hold the box spring and mattress.

In queen and king size beds you will also find a metal support rod that runs along the middle of the frame to add extra support in the middle. Metal frames come in all sizes from twin to king. The larger size bed frames are usually adjustable which is great if you have a different size mattress as you will find in the California king. Almost all metal frames are on wheels that can be locked; however in some cases you can remove the wheels for more stability.

There are also bed frames that have the ability to be added to a headboard. In most cases the bed frame is sold in conjunction with a headboard but there are universal frames that can be screwed to a headboard. These frames do not have wheels like the free standing metal frames. When you are choosing a mattress and headboard you should also choose the frame that will go with both at the same time.

There are heavy duty bed frames made of metal that are great when extra support is needed. These bed frames are great for larger beds and heavy mattresses. Pillow tops mattresses are thicker and heavier than a standard mattress and they require added support across the middle of the bed frame.

Some frames only have an additional metal bar that runs horizontally while there are others that have a vertical bar as well, ensuring that the box spring and mattress will not drop in the middle. As stated previously these metal frames can be found in an adjustable format as well. They allow you to adjust the width and length of the frame to accommodate a different size mattress.

If you want to raise your bed even further off the floor you can use what are called bed risers. These have typically been used to raise the bed so that there is extra storage room under the bed. Using these risers you can lift your bed up to an additional four inches off the floor. There are special risers that can be used to raise only the headboard end of the bed, it is important to read the packaging carefully to ensure that you are getting the correct risers.

Traditionally bed frames are put together in sections and they have to be secured with screws on each corner. This means that when you want to move the bed frame it must come apart in pieces.

Today there is a new bed frame on the market and it is quickly gaining popularity. The Pragma Bi-folding bed frame is a frame that is folded and unfolded for easy set up and take down. This means that transporting the frame has been made a great deal easier. The frame is made in all sizes from twin to king.

Other Quality Bed Frame Resources:

Bed frames are for sale on Amazon.com

Overstock.com has a guide showing you how to buy a bed frame.

Bed Frame Direct is an online dealer that specializes in bed frames made in the USA.

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How to Clean Your Mattress of Stains

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of duchamp.

Wondering how to clean your mattress of stains? Here are a few tips to get you going.

Although no one certainly likes to talk about it, mattresses can get some ugly and smelly stains on them. If you’re a parent, then you likely can tell some tales about your child’s not-so-nice bed-wetting issues and other accidents, and attest to the fact that mattress cleaning is not the most likeable household chore. Nonetheless, it’s important to remove these stains as quickly as possible.

How to Clean a Mattress and Get Rid of Stains

The products used in the removal of stains depend upon the type of stain, and milder products should always be utilized first before trying stronger ones. First of all, if the warranty on your mattress covers stains, then you need not go through these steps at all. However, if the warranty does not offer this coverage or has expired, then get ready to do a little work.

The first method that you should try on any stain is called the dry suds method. You will need a ¼ cup of mild powdered laundry detergent, a cup of warm water, and an egg beater or other object to rapidly stir the mixture into sudsy foam. Once you have obtained lots of suds, lift some of the foam off the top with a damp sponge and begin to rub it into the stain. Continue rubbing until the stain disappears. You may re-apply additional foam, but be careful to keep the sponge as dry as possible so as not to soak the fabric. Once the stain is removed, wait for the area to dry completely before putting the sheets back on.

Mattress Cleaning and Some Stubborn Stains

If the stain is stubborn, and does not want to lift out of the fabric with the dry suds method, try using upholstery cleaner. Although upholstery cleaner is quite strong, it may be your only resort. Use it carefully. Try to find a biologically-based cleaner that uses enzymes to break down dirt and stains. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and then allow the mattress to dry thoroughly.

Some stains, such as blood, may require even stronger treatments. One of the best ways to remove blood stains from a mattress is the use of hydrogen peroxide. You may wish to test a tiny area of the mattress before beginning the process. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide is bleach, and if you don’t want the area that you are treating to turn white, then don’t use it. After applying the hydrogen peroxide, which should now be bubbling, pat the stain with a white towel, working from the outer edges inward. Keep doing so until the entire stain is removed.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for urine stains, or you can try white vinegar, which is a lot less caustic. After cleaning, you may also wish to cover the stained area with baking soda to help neutralize any odors. Rub the soda into the fabric so that it goes down as deep as possible.

And there you have it. If you’ve been wondering how to clean a mattress and rid it of those not-so-pleasant stains, hopefully these tips will be useful for you the next time you hear words like, “Mom, I had an accident.”

Other Great Mattress Stain Cleaning Resources

DIY Life has this page about methods of cleaning mattress stains, including blood and urine.

Stain Removal 101 mentions several methods of cleaning stains from a mattress, including using sunlight and a wet vac.

The Mattress Lady also covers several methods of how to clean mattress staining, including using citrus based cleaners.

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