How to Buy the Best Mattress

The ultimate guide to the best mattress types and brands.

types of mattresses

Do you Need a Firm Mattress? Here’s What the Experts Say

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of alisdair. You might think you want an extra firm mattress, but you really don’t. If you get one, it will end up feeling like sleeping on this!

People who are unsure when choosing a mattress often buy one that is soft and “comfortable” only to find that they have chosen the wrong one. What they really needed was a firm mattress that will enable them to get a good night’s sleep. Experts in sleep related problems are saying that many people too often rush into choosing a mattress and they go for what looks comfortable but doesn’t give the support needed. Instead these people are waking up sore and even more tired than the night before.

According to the experts at spine-health.com, the firmer the mattress, the less likely you will experience back problems. There are varying degrees in a firm mattress and choosing a mattress that is firm enough for you might be a problem if you are unsure of the degree of firmness needed. Some people who do find their mattress comfortable and do feel as if they get a good night’s sleep can still wake up with lower back pain and feeling sore all over. This is an indication that while the mattress is comfortable, it is not the right mattress for you.

How to Prevent the Back Pain?

The reason why people experience the pain is discomfort in their backs is because there is a lack of support in the mattress that they are sleeping on. In fact, when they sleep on a soft mattress, they are causing the spine to misalign throughout the night. When sleeping on a firm mattress the spine is in proper alignment, which prevents the back and muscles to become sore and uncomfortable. Experts are saying that medium firm mattresses are the best choice for preventing back pain.

Waking up throughout the night with lower back pain can really disrupt your sleep pattern and leave you feeling tired and cranky in the morning. To find out what mattress would work best for you, you can visit an interactive online site such as sleepdoctor.com where you can watch a video that will show you the proper mattress for you determined by the way you sleep. For example, if you are a stomach sleeper you will be given suggestions for what mattresses would work best for you.

Is Too Firm Always a Good Solution When Choosing a Mattress?

Many people who are seeking advice about back pain from their doctor almost always ask if it could be due to a poor mattress rather than a seriously medical problem affecting the lower back. Some doctors will suggest that you change the mattress to a firmer, more supportive mattress. This is great advice but getting a mattress that is too firm could cause more problems.

Firm mattresses do not have to be the ones that are rock hard and flat. There is a happy medium between firms and comfortable. Firm mattresses can have padding on the top such as in a pillow top but it is what’s underneath the padding that counts. There must be good support in the springs in a quality firm mattress. These springs take on the pressure of your weight while keeping your spine and back in line, therefore enabling you to sleep well and wake up rested without that unnecessary back pain.

Other Great Resources About Firm Mattresses:

Consumer Reports writes that if a mattress is too firm, it will cause pressure points and discomfort.

Expert Village demonstrates in this YouTube video about why you shouldn’t get a mattress that is too firm.

CBS reports that “medium firm” is a better choice than firm when it comes to a mattress to avoid back pain.

Talalay Latex Mattress: What Does It Mean?

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If you are still considering the type of mattress you want to buy and are looking at latex, you’ve probably heard the term “Talalay Latex” by now. What does that mean? Is it a brand? Is it a variety of latex? Actually, it’s neither. It’s a process used to make the latex into solid pieces of foam rubber. The process was developed in the 1940s by three guys with the last name Talalay, so it is named after them.

But first, let’s start with latex rubber itself. Latex rubber is a natural product that comes from the sap of rubber trees. Rubber trees are grown on plantations in places like South America and Malaysia, and they typically make rubber for up to 30 years. To tap the latex, someone will remove strips of bark, which causes the tree to drip the liquid latex that has to then be processed for whatever its end use will be.

For mattresses, which consist of very large pieces of latex foam rubber, there are two main processes. There is the Dunlop process, and the Talalay process.

The Dunlop process is a pretty simple process, where the rubber can settle in the mold and where the resulting material that comes out might be firmer on one side than the other. The material in general will also have an overall higher firmness. Dunlop material is also usually heavier.

With the Talalay process, the manufacturer will take liquid latex, put it into a mold where all air is vacuumed out. Then the mold is frozen to stabilize the molded material, and injected with carbon dioxide, and then heated up so that the rubber becomes vulcanized and will hold its shape permanently.

With either method, the mold where you pour the latex rubber will have pins in it, which leaves air holes. You can vary the number of pins and the size of the pins to make the mattress perform differently.

There is a lot of additional room for changing the properties of the mattress using the Talalay process, so you can make it softer or firmer.

When you are using latex as the core of the mattress, either method is pretty suitable. But for the layer at the top of the mattress that you feel, you might want to look for Talalay.

Keep in mind that latex can either mean completely natural latex rubber that comes from rubber trees, or it can be a blend of natural and synthetic latex rubber (made from styrene butadiene), or it can be completely synthetic rubber. Completely natural rubber latex is the most expensive. Blends are common. Purely synthetic latex is typically on the low end on the cost scale.

Here is an example of a competitively priced Talalay latex mattress that comes well reviewed on Amazon, and on many of the mattress forums.

Did I leave anything out? Do you still have questions about Talalay latex mattresses? Leave a comment, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll try to figure it out.

Mattress Joiner

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Need a mattress joiner, or wonder what one is?

There is no need to panic when trying to arrange for extra sleeping space for friends and family members that come to visit. Choosing a mattress for overnight company to sleep on is as simple as pushing two twin beds together. This is a quick, inexpensive way to make a comfortable king size bed from mattresses that you already own. A mattress joiner converts twin beds without having to purchase or rent a larger bed. It takes the guesswork out of answering the dilemma of what is the best mattress for your guests when they visit.

Foam Bridge Mattress Joiner

If you are having trouble choosing a mattress joiner that is inexpensive and easy to install, look for a foam bridge connector. The bridge is a lightweight strip that comfortably converts twin beds into a king bed. It is made from hypo-allergenic foam that is placed over the seam where the two mattresses meet. The underside of the strip has a lip, or wedge, which fills in the gap between the mattresses.

What is the best mattress style that works with a bed bridge? All styles will work with the bridge but it is recommended that each twin bed be the same thickness in order to avoid lumps or ridges in the area where the mattresses meet. A separate strap can be purchased separately to prevent the strip from slipping out of place.

Connector Belt Mattress Joiner

The connector belt mattress joiner is a flexible strip that slips over the space between the mattresses and along their sides. The belt is made of a washable material similar to sheepskin. Installation takes just a few minutes; which is an important consideration when choosing a mattress joiner. Once the joiner is in place the beds are secured with a buckle that securely snaps the belt shut. The belt is 8 inches wide to seamlessly fill in the gap so the beds do not separate during the night.

Connector belts are also available in 12 inch wide strips to allow you to decide on what is the best mattress joiner for your pillow top or plush mattress. The strap adjusts all the way up to the length of twin extra long mattresses (80”) size. Once the belt is in place a mattress pad can be placed over the top of both mattresses. Some people use this type of mattress joiner to provide a permanent king size bed in their home when twin beds are no longer needed. This saves the time and expense of choosing a mattress from scratch.

Combination Mattress Joiner and Pad

If you want to make sure you are getting a mattress joiner that is easy to install, this is the connector to buy. It comes complete with the bridge, the wedge and the padding in one piece. The two inch thick pillow top quilted pad covers the surface of both beds. It is made from urethane foam. The wedge is laminated to the pad and fits between the void between the mattresses. The combination mattress joiner fits beneath fitted sheets. Once it is fitted on the beds, all that is needed are the linens since the mattress pad is included. There is no assembly is required and it is easily removed for cleaning.

Mattress joiners come in a variety of prices and materials. By planning ahead of time you will have an idea of what is the most suitable mattress joiner to meet your needs before you set out to make your purchase.

Adjustable Beds Are Not Just for Hospitals Anymore

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of soschilds. Adjustable beds aren't just for hospitals anymore!

When most people think of adjustable beds, they instantly think of hospital beds. And while a few years ago many of them resembled hospital beds, today’s adjustable beds are more aesthetically pleasing. There are more younger people using adjustable beds today than in the past for a variety of reasons, most commonly because they get a better night’s sleep.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Adjustable Bed

Before running out and buying one of the many mattresses on the market, you will need to consider the mattress especially made to fit on an adjustable bed, as not all mattresses will work on them so you will need to research how to choose the right mattress. Remember, when you buy an adjustable bed, you are buying the foundation and it is the mattress you are going to be sleeping on. It is important for your sleep comfort to choose your adjustable bed mattress carefully.

Knowing how these beds work will teach you how to choose a mattress for this type of bed. In most instances the traditional inner spring mattresses will not be a good choice for an adjustable bed as they don’t “give” when the bed folds and could slide out of position on the foundation. This will reduce the sleep quality of the mattress.

You should buy an adjustable bed from a reputable manufacturer with experience in the industry. Many will help you know how to choose a mattress for their style of foundation. You will also want the adjustable foundation that is easily assembled and moved and doesn’t require an engineering degree just to use it. The adjustable bed mattress should provide the same comfort regardless of the position the bed is in.

Tempurpedic now makes an adjustable bed that you might have seen on TV commercials.

Craftmatic is another adjustable bed brand that you are probably familiar with.

And the big name in mattresses, Sealy, also has an adjustable bed line.

Simmons also makes an adjustable bed.

Adjustable Beds: Things to Keep in Mind

Adjustable beds may not be for everyone. If you sleep on your side the bed will likely remain in the flat position, but if you watch television or read a lot in bed, finding the right adjustable bed mattress during your waking hours can make it a good investment provided you know how to decide on the right mattress for this type of bed.

There are many different types of adjustable bed mattresses such as the air filled mattresses, memory foam and adjustable mattresses made especially for them. The key thing to remember when you think about choosing a mattress is that it is going to be on an adjustable base. If the mattress is too rigid, it may not adjust to the same levels as the foundation. Even some of the best mattresses that do adjust properly may not be suited for your individual comfort needs.

When you go the store talk to someone who knows how to choose a mattress for the specific foundation you’re looking to buy, then spend some time lying on the mattress to make sure it’s comfortable for you. Another point when considering how to choose the right mattress should be the warranty.

Regardless of what the sales person may tell you about the bed and the adjustable bed mattress, if the promises are not in writing, it is not part of the warranty. The foundation warranty will typically be different from that of the mattress and probably provided by a separate manufacturer.

Do you own an adjustable bed? If so, tell us about the brand and what you think about it. Did we miss anything important with this post? Leave a comment!

Mattress Dimensions – All You Need to Know

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of beigephotos.

Shopping for a new mattress? A good mattress is an investment that should last for years so it is a good idea to learn how to choose a mattress before making that shopping trip. In finding just the right mattress, several things must be considered such as your physical needs, how much you want to spend and mattress size you require. Names, descriptions and the sizes of mattresses are different for each country. The sizes below represent measurements in the United States.

Bunk Mattress Dimensions

A bunk mattress is made to fit upper and lower bunk bed frames. The mattress in small size is well suited for young children but will accommodate an average sized adult in a pinch. The dimensions of a bunk mattress are 39” x 75”. The narrow bunk mattress is used to save a few inches of space and measures 36” x 75”.

Twin Mattress Dimensions

The mattress size called twin is also referred to as “single”. It measures a trim 30” x 75”. Twin beds are a good choice for small guest rooms. Two twin beds are also common when siblings are sharing a room since they don’t take up much space. Another consideration regarding how to choose a mattress is whether linens that fit are easy to find. The twin extra long mattress, which measures 39” x 80”, is one example of a mattress size you may have trouble finding linens that fit properly because of its odd size.

Full

A full size mattress is also known as a double mattress. This mattress size measures 54” x 75” and can accommodate one large adult or else two small adults or children comfortably. The full mattress leaves 27” x 75” of room for each person. It is commonly used in guest rooms as a medium sized bed that allows comfort without taking up too much room.

Queen Mattress Dimensions

Standard queen size mattresses measure 60” x 80”. Two average sized adults can easily have 30” x 80” of room a piece. When obtaining information on this type of mattress you may hear the salesman refer to “California queen” and “Expanded queen” mattresses. A California queen mattress is 60” x 84”; which is 4 inches longer than a standard queen mattress. The expanded queen mattress measures 66” x 80”, making it 6” wider mattress than the standard queen.

King Mattress Dimensions

If a bigger bed suits your taste it is easy to find out how to choose a mattress in a larger size. The standard king size mattress is 76” x 80”. The width of the mattress allows enough room for each sleeper to have 38” of space. This mattress size is not the largest available, however.

California King Mattress Dimensions and Grand King Mattress Dimensions

The California king is more narrow (72”) than the standard king but is longer (84”). The grand king is a whopping 80” x 98”, enough room for very tall or larger people. Linens for all sizes of king mattresses are readily available online and at bed and bath stores across the country.

Custom Size Mattress Dimensions

If you have an oddly shaped room, a very large or tiny room or simply want a unique bed, custom mattresses in all sizes can be tailor made to suit your needs. Many companies offer circular beds, geometric shapes and unique sizes. Take your ideas to the company and they will work with you and help you choose a mattress that will fit in with what you envision for your bed.

Did you find what you were looking for here? Was anything missing or wrong? If so, please leave a comment and tell us so that we can fix this page and make sure it has all of the information you need.