• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

How to Buy the Best Mattress

The ultimate guide to the best mattress types and brands.

types of mattresses

Baby Bed Mattresses

March 10, 2011 by mattress1982

CC Flickr photo courtesy of nathan_and_jenny. It's very important that a baby mattress should exactly fit in the crib.

Let’s talk about baby bed mattresses.

If you are a new or expecting parent, you can agree that nothing is more important to you right now than making sure that your child is safe and comfortable. One area to really make sure you keep them safe and comfortable is in the crib. A baby has many special needs, so simply going out and buying any old crib and mattress could potentially endanger your child. It is important to do a little bit of research so you can find the best mattress to keep your newborn happy and healthy. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a baby bed mattress.

Crib Size and Mattresses

The size of the crib is something that probably seems simple enough, but should be looked at carefully. It is actually fairly common for crib sizes and mattress sizes to not mesh up exactly.

The mattress you should be looking for is one that will fit perfectly in the crib and not leave any extra space between the mattress and the bars of the crib. This is such an extremely important concept to remember because if a mattress is too small and crevices form around the mattress, a child could easily fall in between the mattress and the crib, or get a hand stuck. This is not a scare tactic, but it should be an important factor when looking for the best mattress for your newborn’s crib.

In almost every case, you’ll want to buy your mattress together with the crib itself to make sure that they match and fit together perfectly.

Mattress Firmness for Cribs and Baby Beds?

Many adults prefer a mattress that is very soft and that conforms to body. As it turns out, this can be harmful for a newborns development. Even though adults find a soft mattress appealing, the best mattresses for newborns are reasonable firm. This allows them to have the maximum level of support while still keeping them comfortable.

The Cover of a Baby Bed Mattress

When it comes to the covers, a multi-layer cover is a good option if you are looking for durability. It may happen that a one-layer cover becomes worn out or compromised by diaper accidents. There are also some crib mattresses that come with an anti-microbial layer, which is very helpful when it comes to protecting your infant from germs. When buying a crib mattress make sure to check if the cover is sealed and if the plastic seems to be sturdy. A completely sealed crib mattress is a good option if allergies are common in your family.

Brand of Baby Bed Mattress – Is It Really Important?

When looking for mattresses, you will probably run across many different brands and types of mattresses. Some will be inner coil and some will be foam. But is the actual make of a mattress important in this case? As it turns out, the make of a mattress seems to be less important for an infant, as long as it is still the proper size and correct firmness.

When it comes to new parents, many of them ask how to buy the best mattress for their infant. Just remember that a good baby bed mattress is essential to the proper development of a newborn, so quality should be a priority. But don’t worry too much about breaking the bank. A fairly high quality baby bed mattress usually costs only a fraction of what an adult bed may cost.

Here are some Baby Bed Mattress Brands:

http://www.colgatekids.com/

http://www.davincidecor.com/

http://www.dreamonme.com/

http://www.kolcraft.com/products/crib-mattresses-and-pads/

http://www.moonlightslumber.com/

http://www.simmonskids.com/

Want to Learn More About Baby Bed Mattresses?

Business Week has an eye opening article about crib safety. “Each year in the United States, nearly 10,000 children under the age of 2 arrive in emergency rooms with injuries suffered while in cribs, playpens and bassinets, a new report shows.”

Consumer Reports provides helpful, well researched tips on choosing a crib and mattress. “Size and firmness are the main concerns. If a mattress is too small, it can leave gaps in the crib that could trap and endanger your baby. If a mattress is too soft, it can conform to your baby’s shape, causing a risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).”

About.com has these tips on buying a baby crib mattress.  “Buy a new crib mattress, if possible. That way, your baby will be protected by the most current flammability safety standards. Buying new also ensures that the mattress you buy is sanitary. If you buy a used mattress, you don’t know how it was cared for or stored. Mold can grow within improperly stored crib mattresses, and bacteria can fester on the surface from liquids (diaper leakage, spit-up) that weren’t properly cleaned up. So buy a new mattress, especially for your first baby. If you take care if it and it stays firm, you can save it for your next child.”

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments so we can continue to improve this page.

Filed Under: types of mattresses Tagged With: baby bed mattress, baby bed mattresses, baby mattress, crib mattress, crib mattresses

Bunk Bed Mattresses

March 1, 2011 by mattress1982

CC Flickr photo courtesy of rowdykittens.

For some purchases in life, you just should not skimp on quality, and a mattress is definitely one of them. When choosing a bunk bed mattress, remember that you can spend up to one third of your entire life in bed, so choose a good, high quality mattress for your sake. A bunk bed is no exception to this rule. A good bunk bed mattress can literally translate into the difference between an amazing night of sleep and the potential for long-term health problems, not to mention thousands of hours of lost sleep.

The world of bunk bed mattresses is definitely a large and diverse one, but that does not mean it has to be complicated when choosing a mattress. By following a few simple points of information, you can make an informed decision on a bunk bed mattress.

Types of Bunk Bed Mattresses

In a very broad sense, there are two main types of mattresses: foam mattress and innerspring mattress. From a technical standpoint, an innerspring is just that, a mattress filled with springs on the inside for support. This type of mattress has been considered to be a very popular choice for bunk bed mattresses for many decades now. Another mattress type that seems to be gaining popularity is the foam mattress. A foam mattress uses special types of memory foams to create a firm, but conforming bunk bed mattress.

These different types of mattresses have many sub-categories like pillow top mattresses or the ones with different levels of firmness or softness. When it comes to these sub-categories, it is best to go to a furniture store and try them out because they are mostly personal preference.

No matter what type of mattress you choose, always try to stick with a higher quality bunk bed mattress and pick options that you will like.

The Safety Factor with Bunk Bed Mattresses

When choosing a mattress for a bunk bed, it is usually safe to assume that the person using the bunk bed is a child. Bunk beds make great beds for kids, but it is important to always think about the safety of your child.

A mattress that does not properly fit a bunk bed could open up gaps around the bed and mattress. These gaps are perfect for children getting their hands and feet stuck or getting a few bumps and scrapes during the night. The best and easiest way to prevent this from happening is by being diligent in looking for a properly sized mattress that is designed for the actual bunk bed itself.

To summarize, remember the differences in foam and innerspring, buy high quality, and always buy the properly sized bunk bed mattress. Use these guidelines, and buying a mattress can be the easiest thing in the world. Remember, one third of a person’s life is a very long time, so why choose the wrong mattress and be uncomfortable, when you can choose the one that will suit you perfectly and help your body get the most relaxation while asleep.

Read More About Bunk Beds and Bunk Bed Mattresses

Keep Kids Healthy writes this guide to bunk bed safety issues.

Consumer Reports has a very well researched guide to bunk beds and toddler beds.

The Clever Parents blog has a good guide to bunk beds for kids.

Chart of Mattress Bunk Bed Dimensions for the USA, including Standard Bunk, Narrow Bunk and Twin / Single mattress sizes.

What’s missing from this page? Does something suck? Leave a comment and let us know so that we can fix it and make it better!

Filed Under: types of mattresses Tagged With: bunk bed, bunk beds, bunkbed, bunkbeds, mattress, mattresses

Water Bed Mattresses

March 1, 2011 by mattress1982

Mattress made by American National, a major waterbed manufacturer.

One of the most important pieces of furniture in most homes is the bed and the type of mattress that is on the bed generally sets the tone for how the day will go. Backaches from a bad night’s sleep or a smile on your face if you wake up rested bring out the difference between a good mattress and one that’s not so good. Information about the best types of beds can be found in a mattress review based on the size and type of bed you’re looking for.

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down For a Water Bed Mattress?

In terms of water bed mattresses there are typically only two sides: one side loves them, the other side hates them and usually there is no middle ground. The amount of water in the mattress can be raised or lowered to help adjust the firmness. However, if the bed is shared, one may like it firmer than the other and that can cause dissention in the bedroom. Although traditional mattresses are the same firmness across the board, something in the middle can sometimes be found to benefit both partners.

In cold climates, a water bed mattress is heated and can be much more comfortable climbing into than a regular mattress. Many people say that they like the warmth when they get into bed. In warmer weather the adjustable thermostat can be turned down on a water bed mattress for a cooler sleeping environment.

Water bed mattresses are not always one large bladder that can cause motion sickness in some people. Most of the newer water bed types of mattresses have baffles to make them waveless or at least semi-waveless. This can also stop one problem often cited in a mattress review of one person being disturbed by their partner getting in or out of bed. This can be especially bothersome, along with unwanted noise, if any air is in the mattress.

No Dust Mites, What a Revelation!

One of the other advantages of a water bed mattress is that it does not offer a friendly home for dust mites. Although the mites can live in bedding, they will not find a home in the mattress. Typical sheets for water bed mattresses are also different than those for traditional beds. The so-called fitted sheet and top sheet are usually attached at the bottom, basically because you can not tuck them under the mattress to hold them in place.

The mattress itself may take getting used to, especially for someone who has slept on a regular mattress and box spring for many years. However, in the event of an accidental spill they are much easier to clean. Simply remove the bedding and wash them down with warm, soapy water and you’re good to go. Some couples have commented that they thought intimate activity would be different in a water bed, but found that not to be the case.

Another issue posed on mattress review sites is the weight of mattresses. When filled with water, a water bed mattress will be impossible to move. However, when empty, most of these mattresses are lighter than traditional mattresses and box springs, depending on the size of the bed.

Like most beds, different manufacturers offer different features and it is best to read many mattress reviews before buying one to hear about other people’s experience with a particular brand.

Visit American National Manufacturing to see the newest in waterbed technology.

Filed Under: types of mattresses Tagged With: dust mite, dust mites, water bed, water beds, waterbed, waterbeds

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3

Primary Sidebar

Popular Posts

  • How to Fix Rips and Tears in Your Mattress
  • Luxury Mattress Brands
  • UV Lights and Mattresses
  • The Best Bedsheets: Expensive and High Tech Options
  • Tempur-Pedic Mattress: Worth the Money?

Pages

  • About
  • Benefits of an Organic Mattress
  • Blog
  • Buying a Mattress
    • Air Mattress: Buying Tips
    • Crib Mattress: What to Look For
    • Firm Mattress: A Good Idea?
    • Futon Mattress: Better, worse, or just different?
    • Latex Mattress pros and cons
    • Memory Foam Mattress: An explanation
    • Pillowtop Mattress: Good idea or bad?
    • Tempur-Pedic Mattress: Worth the Money?
  • Buying A New Mattress: Making Sure It’s Not Used
  • Buying Options for Mattress Covers: Protect the Mattress
  • Buying Options for the King Size Mattress
  • Choosing a Mattress Topper
  • How to Buy a Mattress: Here are the Best Advice Pages

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...