Sleeping Positions: Sleeping on Your Stomach

January 31, 2012

Everyone sleeps differently. While some people prefer to sleep on their backs, others are side or stomach sleepers. However you sleep, it’s important to keep in mind that you spend 6-8 hours in that position each night, which can have a lasting impact on your body. For the first installment in our series on different sleeping positions, we’ll be taking a look at the effects of sleeping on your stomach, and what you can do to improve the quality of your sleep if you’re a stomach sleeper.

Stomach Sleepers Beware
Unfortunately, of the three typical sleeping positions, sleeping on your stomach is the worst for your body and the quality of your sleep. When you lie on your stomach with your head turned to the side, you’re putting a lot of strain on your neck. You wouldn’t want to keep your head turned that far to the side while sitting up awake, and you shouldn’t do it for eight hours every night. Over time, this can lead to chronic stiffness and pain in your neck and back. Lying on your stomach also exerts pressure on the nerves underneath your arms, which can cause a “pins and needles” sensation and interrupt your sleep. Furthermore, the weight of your body compresses your lungs under you, preventing you from drawing in a full breath.

Consider the Alternatives
Sleeping on your back is an improvement, as it takes the pressure off of your neck, but if you’re a heavy snorer, or if you suffer from sleep apnea, this position can aggravate your symptoms. Lying on your side is generally considered the best position for sleeping, as it is easier to keep your body and joints in neutral positions.

Simmons Beautyrest NxG Plush Memory Foam Pillow

Tips for Better Stomach Sleeping
If you’re still ending up on your stomach after trying other positions, it’s important to make sure you’re taking steps to reduce the strain on your body. Because of the strain on your neck, it’s actually best to avoid using a pillow at all. Instead, try elevating one side of your body using a long pillow, or just place pillow under your hips. This will keep your head level with the rest of your body and ease the pressure off of your neck. If you must use a head pillow, a memory foam pillow will be best, and the thinner it is, the better.

Best Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers
Your mattress is vital to quality sleep, so you should ensure that yours is designed to cater to your sleeping style. For stomach sleepers, this is especially important. You’ll want to choose a mattress that’s not too hard, as a little bit of give is necessary to cushion you. Likewise, be sure to avoid a mattress that’s too soft; if you’re sinking in too much, your spine will be over-arched. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are those that fall in the midrange of our Comfort Scale. These mattresses are hard enough to properly support you, but not too soft to keep your spine aligned. Mattresses in this category cover a wide spectrum of styles, comfort materials, and price points, so there’s something suitable for every stomach sleeper. Choosing the best mattress to accommodate your stomach sleeping style can reduce common aches and pains while providing you with comfortable, restorative sleep to improve your overall health. Check back in with Snooze Guru in the coming weeks for recommendations for side and back sleepers.

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Posted by Dan

How to Get Good Sleep

January 26, 2012

The amount of sleep you get each night affects almost every aspect of your life, from how much you eat to how well you can communicate. When you’re not getting enough, your body will tell you: you’re tired, you’re stressed, your ability to focus is diminished, and you’re more likely to make mistakes.

According to The Better Sleep Council, the average adult needs 7-10 hours of sleep every night. People who sleep more – and better – have healthier immune systems, more energy, and a better overall mood. If you’re looking to get better sleep, there are some things you can do other than closing your eyes and crashing at the end of the day.

Where Do You Sleep?
Wherever your bed is, keep that room quiet, comfortable, and calm. You want your body to associate your bedroom with rest and relaxation, so you should reserve it exclusively for sleep. Maintaining a cool temperature also helps promote good rest. Keep out distractions like TVs and computers.

What Are You Doing Before Bed?
Regular exercise is important for both general physical health as well as getting quality sleep, but avoid doing it within two hours of your bed time, as it may be difficult to fall asleep after physical exertion. The same is true for mentally engaging activities, so finish that crossword puzzle a little earlier.

Instead, do something more calming before bed. Try reading a book or listening to soothing music – whatever relaxes you.  Make this your “settling-in” routine to prepare for sleep every night.

Try not to eat at least two hours before you to go to sleep. You shouldn’t go to bed starving, but if you eat a meal just before bedtime, your body will expend energy digesting as you sleep, robbing you of a good night’s rest. For more on how eating impacts your sleep quality, see our post on foods that can help you sleep.

Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can affect the quality of your sleep, or prevent you from falling asleep at all.

What Are You Sleeping On?
Your mattress is an area where you definitely don’t want to cut any corners. Considering how much time you spend sleeping, and how much sleep impacts your day-to-day life, a quality mattress is worth the investment. A better mattress can go a long way in helping you get better sleep.  You may feel comfortable on your bed when you lie down at the end of the day, but if your mattress is 5-7 years old, it may not be providing adequate support for your body, causing you to change positions more often and preventing you from getting good sleep.

Making sure you’ve got enough room is just as important as ensuring proper support.  If you share a bed, consider the fact that two adults in a standard full-size mattress have about as much personal sleeping space as a baby in a crib. Remember that you’ll also need room to stretch out.

What Are You Waiting For?
The most important thing you can do to start getting better sleep is to make sleep a priority. Sometimes it may seem like there’s just not enough time in a day to get the rest you need, but if you make an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even weekends), you will notice a difference. You’ll wake up feeling more refreshed, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll be performing at your peak. Start sleeping smarter today, and you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.

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Posted by Dan

Sleep Naturally: Organic Mattresses

January 24, 2012

In light of growing concerns for the environment, many manufacturers are taking steps toward more responsible sourcing of materials for their products, a trend that has now carried over into bedding.

If you’re concerned about the materials that go into the products you buy for your home, you may be interested in one of many organic mattresses now on the market.

What’s in Your Mattress?
Often, finding out exactly what your mattress is made of can be difficult. Traditional mattresses are made primarily of synthetic materials like polyurethane foams, polyester fiber, and are treated with flame retardant chemicals.

Some manufacturers are offering new, naturally derived mattresses to meet the increasing consumer demand for organically sourced beds.

Natural Alternatives
Simmons Natural Care® is a line of latex mattresses made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex is an increasingly popular mattress type because it is breathable, eliminates motion transfer, and conforms to your body. Latex models also offer superior durability and comfort life. Naturally derived latex mattresses provide just as much comfort and support as their synthetic latex counterparts, and also give you peace of mind in knowing where your bed came from. For more on the differences between natural and synthetic latex, see our earlier post, Latex: Natural vs. Synthetic.

Natura, another organic brand, offers not only organic latex mattresses, but also a collection of organic bedding, pillows, and other accessories. These products are made with natural memory foams, latex, wool, and even recycled water bottles.

CertiPUR: Natural Assurance
A company earns the CertiPUR seal by undergoing regular, voluntary testing to ensure that their products meet specific criteria for physical performance, indoor emissions, and environmental stewardship. Both Simmons Natural Care® and Natura products carry the CertiPUR seal.

What Are You Sleeping On?
Organic mattresses are an excellent choice for those who want a naturally derived product without sacrificing quality, comfort, or durability. With the growing collection of organic offerings, knowing what your new bed is made of is easier than ever. Shop for natural mattresses and bedding.

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Posted by Dan

Mattresses for Kids: What to Look For

January 19, 2012

According to the National Sleep Foundation, your child will spend 40 percent of childhood asleep. Many children sleep on their first mattress into their teens, meaning they use the same model for ten years or longer. Sleep is the primary activity of early development, so providing proper back support and comfort will ensure your child is getting the quality sleep that is crucial to physical and mental health. Use these criteria to find the perfect mattress for your child.

Price
You don’t need to use up the family nest egg on a quality mattress for your child, but cheap models tend to be lower quality, regardless of material. A bargain mattress will save you money up front, but will likely lose its comfort and ability to provide support after a short time, meaning you could end up spending up to twice as much in replacement costs.

Comfort
Comfort is a primary factor when choosing a mattress, and that shouldn’t change when shopping for a child. If your child is old enough, have a discussion about sleeping position. Knowing whether you’re shopping for a back, stomach, or side sleeper will help you choose a model that will provide the best comfort. If you’re not sure of a preference, it’s best to choose a mattress with a neutral comfort, meaning it’s not too soft and not too firm. This will ensure that your child receives proper support without being uncomfortable. Our Comfort Scale® makes it easy to find mattresses in this range.

Durability
Because children’s mattresses are more likely to be treated like trampolines, you’ll also want to find a model that boasts durability. Most mattresses include sophisticated coil systems that are manufactured for long life, but keep in mind that a kid’s mattress will be aggressively tested, another reason to avoid bottom-shelf products.  View our helpful durability chart to find the best mattress for your child

Size
Remember to carefully measure your child’s bed, as some may require a special size. A mattress that is too short or narrow can pose a safety hazard by creating a gap the child may fall into, so it’s especially important to make sure you select a model that will fit properly. Many models are available in irregular and custom sizes.

By investing in a high-quality mattress for your child, not only are you providing a safe, comfortable place to sleep each night, but you are also encouraging healthy development during a time when it is most important. Take the time to find the right mattress, and while your child enjoys the benefits of a good night’s sleep, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you made the best choice possible.

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Posted by Dan

How to Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs

January 17, 2012

There is perhaps no household pest more dreaded than the bed bug. Hard to find, and even harder to get rid of, this parasite is the bane of hotels and homes alike. If left untreated, a serious infestation can involve thousands of bugs in your home, and you could be bitten over 500 times in a single night. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep these strange bedfellows from making you their next meal.

If you’re already experiencing an infestation, good luck; while bed bugs can be eradicated, the process is time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. Common extermination methods include the use of dangerous chemicals or even enlisting the help of bug-sniffing dogs. Unfortunately, none of these strategies are guaranteed to work, and if you miss even one bug, you’ll be right back where you started.

The best approach is a proactive one. Taking simple precautions to avoid bed bugs in the first place can save you a lot of stress – and money – in the long run. Protecting your bed should be your top priority, as bed bugs like to hide and lay eggs in seams like the ones that run along the edges of your mattress.

Using a bed bug-proof mattress protector is an affordable, easy, and effective method for ensuring that your bed remains free and clear of any unwanted visitors. Your box spring and mattress are full of perfect hiding places preferred by bed bugs. By encasing these items in a protective layer, you’ll be dramatically lowering your chances of contracting any pests. Keep in mind that you will need both a protective cover for your mattress, as well as a separate encasement for your box spring or foundation. It is extremely important to protect both, as covering only one will not provide a continuous barrier and will leave you vulnerable to infestation.

A bed bug-proof mattress cover can also be helpful in cases where bed bugs are already present. Once your mattress and foundation are encased, any bed bugs inside will be trapped, cutting them off from their food source (you), while bugs outside will be unable to get inside to nest and breed. Keep in mind that bed bugs can also live inside the frame of your bed and behind your walls, so while it will likely be necessary to pursue extermination, a protective mattress cover will help speed that process along.

There are several protective mattress cover options available to fit all standard mattress sizes. Most covers and encasements not only protect you from bed bug infestation, but also prevent things like allergens, dust mites, and moisture from settling into your mattress. These covers are a great option for people with sensitive respiratory health, or homes where pet dander may be prevalent.

Considering the increasing occurrences of bed bugs, making a small investment to keep your bed clear is a smart choice. If you’re concerned about bed bugs, then a bed bug-proof mattress cover is an easy, inexpensive way to ensure a hygienic mattress and provide peace of mind.

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Posted by Dan

Latex: Natural vs Synthetic

January 13, 2012

Latex mattresses are among the finest mattresses found on the market today. They provide great support, long lasting durability, retain almost no heat, transfer very little motion (great for couples) and reduce painful pressure points better than any comfort material on the market. They’re also hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite, and anti-microbial, which makes latex the healthiest choice for you and your family. However, keep in mind that there are two types of latex: natural, and synthetic. One of these is, as it sounds, naturally derived; the other is the farthest thing from it.

Natural latex is available in two different styles: Talalay and Dunlop. While both styles are natural, the names refer to the type of refinement process that is used to convert the sap of the rubber tree into the comfort material you sleep on at night. Talalay (pronounced tal-la-lay) is the highest quality latex you can find. It’s also the best at reducing pressure, which is why all high quality natural latex mattresses feature Talalay latex near the top of the mattress. Dunlop latex, while still extremely effective at reducing pressure, is commonly used to produce the support cores. This is because the Dunlop process results in a firmer latex than Talalay, making it ideal for back support rather than comfort. The key to finding a quality natural latex mattress is to make sure the mattress has a Dunlop core with at least one layer of Talalay latex near the top. As long as these two criteria are met, you’ll have a great, healthy product that’s built to last.

The other commonly used form of latex in mattresses is synthetic latex. Synthetic latex provides great pressure relief and support, but isn’t the best choice for those looking to purchase a “green” product. However, if this isn’t a concern for you, synthetic latex mattresses will provide you with 20+ years of quality comfort and support just like their natural counterparts.

So which type of latex mattress is best? That depends on your outlook and budget. If you enjoy buying products that are naturally derived and eco-friendly, a natural Talalay or Dunlop latex mattress is an excellent choice. If you’re not worried about the materials, a synthetic latex mattress will provide the same performance and long life at a comparable price. As always, if you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them as soon as possible. Click here to view our selection of natural and synthetic latex mattresses.

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Posted by Rodney

What You Eat Before Bed Can Help You Sleep

January 10, 2012

Sometimes your diet and food choices can affect your sleep. Certain foods and drinks can help you sleep like a baby. Purchasing the perfect mattress from US-Mattress is only part of the Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by braxt2jd

Lighting for a Bedroom

January 5, 2012

It may seem odd to worry about lighting a room where the purpose is to turn off the lights, but that’s exactly why it’s so important.

Many people find ceiling light in a bedroom to be too harsh or too bright. While it can provide a great accent piece for a room, a light on the ceiling may not provide the lighting you’d like.

Table lamps are quite often used on nightstands or tables to provide softer lighting that highlights only one side of the room. Many couples that go to sleep or wake up at different times find this separate lighting makes it easier to not wake up your loved one. Something like the Uttermost Romina Table Lamp would allow each person their own lighting that wouldn’t bother the other person. The Romina table Lamp also allows for pivoting. But, if you’re looking for a reading lamp, the Quoizel Table Task Lamp allows for focused lighting.

If your room is short on space, a table lamp may not be the best option. Floor lamps can take up significantly less space and still provide light to only one side of a room. Some of these floor lamps, like the Kenroy Home Planar Floor Lamp actually provide shelving for display or storage.

Kid’s bedrooms need lighting too and their options are tons of fun. Kid’s lamps come in many styles and designs to accent any theme or just be a friendly piece to help them sleep better at night. You can decorate with an airplane and boat lamp, a cute jungle scene lamp or even just a lady bug light that provides a little bit of light to make sleeping in the dark a little more fun.

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Posted by Brenda

Platform Beds

January 3, 2012

A platform bed features a deck or platform base that provides enough support for a mattress by itself, eliminating the need for a box spring or foundation. This no-box spring option is a cost-effective alternative to traditional mattress and box spring beds. You can add a box spring if you desire, however it is not required to support the mattress and your weight.

Platform beds have become a popular choice as many feature sought-after contemporary designs with European and Asian influences. Most platform beds feature a low footboard that reinforces the stylish minimalist look of current home furnishing trends. Platform beds are great for contemporary homes and children’s rooms. The bed’s deck allows for more clearance between the bed and the floor allowing for more storage under the bed. Ultimately, platform beds come in a variety of designs, so you can find one that suites your personal style and design preferences.

When shopping for a platform bed, don’t be confused by “platform-style” beds or other “low-profile” beds. These beds, while they look like a platform bed, do not feature a platform and require both a box spring and a mattress. You can achieve the look of a platform bed by purchasing a low profile mattress and box spring. Sometimes a non-platform bed can become a platform bed with the use of an under bed storage unit. This however depends on the manufacturer of the bed, so be careful when purchasing under bed storage in hopes of creating a platform bed.

Platform beds are great for any style and budget. If you are shopping for a platform bed online, be sure to check out our website US-Mattress.com as we feature a wide assortment of platform beds from multiple brands in a variety of styles, colors, and price points.

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Posted by Cara

Pillow Top Vs Euro Top

December 30, 2011

Generally there are 3 different comforts to choose from when it comes to picking a new mattress. Firm, Plush, and Pillow Top. However, over the years, manufacturers have created a sea of different terms for the “Pillow Top” category. Now, there are 2 main types of Pillow Top: Pillow Top, Euro Top, and Box Top. While some retailers will tell you one is better than the other, at the end of the day the differences are largely cosmetic and won’t affect how well your mattress performs.

Let’s start with the term most people are familiar with – Pillow Top. A Pillow Top has an extra layer or two of padding that is stitched approximately 1-2 inches from the outside edge of the mattress. When viewed from the side, the mattress appears to have a pillow on top of the main portion, hence the name pillow top. Pillow tops come in a variety of different comforts ranging from semi firm to extremely soft and are added to help aid in pressure relief.

Pillow Top

The other main option is the Euro Top. A Euro Top is designed to provide all of the same pressure relief benefits of a Pillow Top, but visually looks a lot more like a traditional, non pillow top mattress. This is because a Euro Top is stitched directly to the side of the mattress which gives it a squared off look. Also like pillow tops, euro tops range in comfort from semi firm to extremely soft.

Euro Top

So which one is right for you? The correct answer to that question is both! Because the differences are so small, both choices are great choices assuming you know what comfort level is right for you. I hope this helps answer your question, but if you have any others, please feel free to post them in our comments section and I will be happy to help you in your search for the perfect mattress!

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Posted by Rodney

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