Buying Your Child’s Mattress

May 31, 2012

So your child has outgrown the crib and it’s time to buy a new mattress. Oh, to be that child about to receive a new bed. As the youngest of four, I never got a new mattress. In fact, I just recently purchased my first new mattress. And I’m well into my twenties. I upgraded from the twin bed I grew up with – the same twin bed my brother (6 years my senior) used before me. People like to say it’s great to be the youngest child in the family. Those people never slept on my twin bed.

If you’re looking to purchase a mattress for your (lucky) child, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest one out there. You might burst into your local brick and mortar furniture store, latch on to the first salesperson who offers you an eager greeting and say, “Look, I don’t have a lot of time. Or money. I need to buy a mattress for my kid, and I am at my wits end here. I just don’t know what to buy. Give me something cheap, and give it to me soon. I can’t take this kid sleeping in our bed anymore. I’ve had seven cups of coffee every morning for the last 3 weeks, and my hair is starting to curl. Give me your cheapest mattress, good sir (or madam). Also, do you have a bathroom I can use? Like I said, seven cups of coffee.” Let me be the third to tell you – buying any ol’ cheap mattress for your child is a bad idea.

Growing, Not Outgrowing

Parents take so many steps to ensure the safety of their children, but unfortunately, they commonly underestimate the importance their child’s bed has in the growing process. They think that the cheap mattress is the best one to buy because, hey, kids outgrow things quickly. Right? Your kids might quickly outgrow shoes, clothes, and toys, but they don’t necessarily outgrow their mattresses. Kids typically sleep on the same bed for most of their formative years and likely through their teen years (or far longer, like m’self). They need a high quality mattress that will last for at least 10 years. While durability is important, you should also consider support when you buy your child a mattress. As your child’s body grows, it needs a mattress that will provide adequate back support. You should also find out how your child sleeps – on his or her back, side, stomach, etc,. This will help you narrow your search and make the best purchase.

You can find all of the best mattresses for children at US-Mattress.com. Every mattress set you’ll find will provide adequate support and comfort as your child grows into a young adult. Remember, although you may be tempted to buy a cheap “it’ll do for now” mattress, it’s best to give your child a supportive sleep surface that’s built to last.


Sealy Posturepedic

May 29, 2012

Sealy Posturepedic. It’s a brand name you’re familiar with. And that’s not surprising, considering that more people sleep on a Sealy Posturepedic mattress than any other mattress brand. They’re proven to enhance the quality of your sleep, keeping your spine properly aligned to give you the support you need to wake up feeling truly refreshed and ready to take on the day. But what else is there to know about Sealy Posturepedic?



Sealy has the highest quality standards in the mattress industry, and consumers rate Posturepedic ahead of the competition in product quality and durability. The quality and durabilty found in Sealy Posturepedic mattresses runs deep – from the comfort materials on down. Sealy foundations are built with steel modules and a solid steel spine for increased support and durability. These silent modules work to absorb weight and motion without squeaking or rattling.

Leading Sleep Science

Sealy Posturepedic takes pride in the quality of their mattresses. In order to maintain their cutting edge quality, Sealy formed the Orthopedic Advisory Board (OAB), a group of the finest orthopedic minds that apply their extensive expertise to the design of Sealy Posturepedic mattresses. The OAB and Sealy have worked closely to create the Pressure Mapping Lap Center of Excellence, a trailblazing facility where all Sealy Posturepedic mattresses are scientifically tested to ensure that they provide maximum comfort by eliminating the uncomfortable pressure points that cause tossing and turning. Sealy Posturepedic is the only mattress brand in the industry that has strict pressure-relieving standards for every one of its mattresses.

Environmental Consciousness

Sealy recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability. They strive to maintain a responsible balance between sustainability, quality, performance, and durability. They operate on a two-fold approach to reduce their environmental footprint: (1) Ensure that current operations, and the operations of their suppliers, are as environmentally friendly as possible, and (2) search for economically feasible ways to improve the sustainability of their products.

It’s not surprising that Sealy Posturepedic is America’s best selling mattress brand. Their exceptional quality and commitment to innovative, healthy sleep ensures their spot as a leader in the mattress market. Look to US-Mattress.com for your next Sealy Posturepedic, and make a good investment in great sleep.


Bedding Sizes

May 24, 2012

Have you ever purchased a new mattress, brought it home, and felt like your uncle Brad getting into his “cool jeans” as you try to get your old sheets to fit? Have you ever purchased new sheets for your existing mattress and felt like you were dressing an infant with a parachute? Unfortunately, mattresses and bed linens come in different sizes. One brand’s queen sheet set is often an inch or two smaller or larger than those from other brands. Since Congress (believe it or not) has yet to pass a bill restricting bedding sizes, you have to pay close attention when you purchase new bedding for a mattress.

Before you start shopping, you need to determine what bed size you have and what kind of bedding you need. Today’s mattresses are generally deeper than those of the past, so keep that in mind if it’s been a while since you’ve purchased bedding. Refer to our previous post on mattress sizes to determine the approximate dimensions of your mattress. After you determine your mattress size, consult the information below so that you can be sure you’re shopping with a narrowed focus. These measurements are approximations. Actual measurements may vary between manufacturers.

Sheets

These are the approximate dimensions of fitted sheets for each mattress size. Since the top sheet is tucked under the mattress, you don’t have to pay as much attention to the measurement.

  • Twin – 39″ x 76″
  • Twin X-Long – 39″ x 80″
  • Full – 54″ x 75″
  • Queen – 60″ x 80″
  • King – 78″ x 80″
  • Cal-King – 72″ x 84″

Comforters

  • Twin – 68″ x 86″
  • Full – 80″ x 90″
  • Full/Queen – 88″ x 88″
  • Queen – 86″ x 94″
  • King – 110″ x 96″

Duvet Covers

  • Twin – 68″ x 88″
  • Full/Queen – 88″ x 88″
  • King – 104″ x 88″

Pillows

  • Standard – 20″ x 26″
  • Queen – 20″ x 30″
  • King – 20″ x 36″

Hopefully these dimensions will guide you through your bedding shopping experience. If you narrow your search by knowing the sizes and measurements you need, then it will be a breeze. Remember to always measure your mattress, though, because you don’t want to get stuck with bedding that doesn’t fit.


Buying a Bedroom Set

May 22, 2012

Here’s the thing. I’ve never purchase a bedroom set. There, I said it. I know that you saw the title of this blog and thought, “Great. FINALLY, I can get great inside information on buying a bedroom set from that skilled guy known in some circles as the Snooze Guru.” And look, you’re not completely wrong to think that. While I can provide tips and valuable information (come on, I’m a guru), I can’t really speak from experience. The truth is, until recently, I never really thought about buying a bedroom set. I’ve always just had various pieces of furniture that I’ve accumulated throughout the years. Some of the pieces have been a part of my bedroom for the majority of my life. Sometimes you just don’t know where things came from.

“That dresser? Hmm. I don’t know. I’ve kind of just always had it.”

But look, I’m not saying that’s a good thing. In fact, I recently looked at my bedroom with critical eyes, and I realized that it’s just a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs and look-what-I-found’s. And frankly, I’m a little bit embarrassed. I don’t want to be the kind of guy who doesn’t have any design sense. I mean, I’m a guru. And gurus can’t have an apathetic décor. It’s just not prudent. So, in an effort to revitalize my bedroom, I’ve decided that I need to buy a bedroom set. But what should I consider? What do I need to know? Let me share my search with you, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two with me.



Space

Obviously, as I’m looking for a bedroom set, I need to think about space. My bedroom isn’t too big, so I definitely need to take that into consideration as I shop. My room is basically a square, so I don’t have to worry about getting anything custom made. Since I don’t have a lot of space, I’m going to limit my search to smaller bedroom sets.

Style

This part is the most fun for me. I like looking through the pictures to see which sets jump out at me. I like to keep an open mind while I shop. Even though I know my preferences, I don’t like to limit my search by style. You never know what might grab your eye, so I try to expose myself to as many options as I can. Generally, I prefer clean, straight lines, so I gravitate toward contemporary and modern designs. But I also enjoy the classic look of some traditional pieces. Exposing yourself to more designs allows you to broaden the scope of your personal style.

Function

In addition to assessing my space and determining my style preference, I need to thing about what I want to get out of the bedroom set. Since I’m not working with a lot of space, I can’t have too many furniture pieces. I really just need a bed, a nightstand, and a dresser. I suggest assessing what you use the most in your bedroom, and make that the focal point of your search. You may want to build your search around the bed. Or, perhaps you’re most concerned about the looks of the dresser. The more focused your search is, the easier your shopping experience will be.

After searching through the bedroom sets at US-Mattress.com, I think I’m going to go with the one pictured above. I like the way it mixes the old and new. The contemporary design employs traces of traditional shapes and tones to create a unique expression of style. What do you think?


iComfort

May 17, 2012

In my last post, I focused on Serta mattresses and the quality they bring to the mattress marketplace. Today, I’d like to focus more specifically on the iComfort series from Serta, and the ways it upgrades the memory foam sleep experience.

iComfort

Enhancing the Memory Foam Experience

Many people look to memory foam mattresses for their pressure-relieving comfort, ability to conform and adapt to each person’s body, and exceptional motion separation. But unfortunately, traditional memory foam technology hasn’t changed much since it was invented more than 40 years ago. With innerspring mattress technology rapidly advancing, traditional memory foam seems stale in comparison. While it can still provide remarkable comfort to many, others find that memory foam mattresses sleep too hot, sink in too deeply, or make it hard to move during the night. With these issues in mind, Serta created the iComfort Sleep System, which features Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam, the world’s first memory foam infused with the support and cooling touch of Serta’s MicroSupport™ gel.

Heat can build up during the night and make for an uncomfortable and restless sleep. While ordinary memory foam can trap heat against the body, Serta’s Cool Action material combines an open cell structure and MicroSupport gel to increase airflow and wick sweaty heat away from the body. It is up to 12 times more breathable than ordinary memory foam and helps the iComfort series provide a cooler, more comfortable sleep experience.

Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam

Serta’s Cool Action Gel Memory Foam is designed to deliver the feeling of traditional memory foam while improving and expanding upon traditional foam’s limitations. Serta’s MicroSupport gel fuses with premium memory foam, creating an extremely comfortable, more supportive, and cooler sleep surface. Only Serta’s Cool Action material contains the millions of MicroSupport gel beads that help to create a cooler, more breathable and more supportive memory foam. The revolutionary new memory foam in the Serta iComfort series also delivers superior pressure relief and more targeted support. Additionally, Serta iComfort mattresses are antimicrobial and dust mite resistant to help protect your mattress and your body from potential allergens.

Upgrade your sleep experience with an iComfort mattress from Serta. And when you’re shopping at US-Mattress.com, don’t forget to get an iComfort pillow to maximize the potential of your sleep experience. Start getting the sleep you deserve, and rest with iComfort.

iComfort


Serta Mattresses

May 15, 2012

For nearly 80 years, Serta has provided the highest level of quality, comfort, and safety by consistently investing in innovative technology that meets the widest range of consumer needs. Whatever your stage in life, Serta has the perfect bed for you.

Quality You Can See and Feel

Serta mattresses are made with only high quality materials. The wood Serta uses in their foundations exemplifies their commitment to quality. Serta foundations are comprised of three levels of wood that are free from knots that can weaken load deflection ability. The base of the foundation is probably the most overlooked part of a sleep set, but it is definitely one of the most important. If the base starts to sag, then the rest of the sleep set will surely follow.

As you look at Serta mattresses on US-Mattress.com, notice the evidence of Serta’s care and workmanship in the product photos. The sleep sets in the photos were not made just for the photos – they were pulled at random from our stock. You will see Serta’s perfect tailoring, which is a direct result of the workmanship and care that goes into each sleep set.

The Most Comfortable Sleep Sets

Most consumers base their sleep set purchase solely on the comfort of the mattress. After all, if it’s not comfortable, you won’t get a good night’s rest. Serta envisioned the Perfect Sleeper as the most comfortable mattress at every price point, offering premiere sleep sets that fit into every sleeper’s budget.

Serta Collections

US-Mattress is proud to offer an expansive selection of Serta mattresses: Sertapedic, Perfect Day, iComfort, and the Perfect Sleeper, which continually ranks as Serta’s #1 selling brand and remains the only mattress brand backed by the National Sleep Foundation.


Firm Mattresses

May 10, 2012

Years ago, people believed that a sleeping on a firm mattress was the only way to get a supportive night of sleep. But today, after years of advancing mattress technology, you can get proper support on even the softest mattresses. So why sleep on a firm mattress? Really, as with any other comfort level, it’s about preference. It’s about what feels right for you. Do you find yourself falling asleep comfortably on your carpeted living room floor? If so, you probably enjoy a firm mattress. But firm doesn’t have to mean rock hard. Today’s mattresses come in varying degrees of firmness in order to suit the preferences of a wide variety of sleepers. Since today’s sleeper might still have some misconceptions and curiosities, let’s take a look at what firm really means for a mattress.


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Comfort Scale



The US-Mattress Comfort Scale® organizes mattress based on their comfort level. The firmest mattresses are from 1-3. Those from 4-6 have middle-of-the-road comfort, and those from 7-10 are very soft. If you enjoy a mattress that feels immediately firm, then you’ll enjoy one that falls between 1 and 3. If you don’t have a strong preference, but prefer relatively firm mattresses, then something between 4 and 6 will be best. When you shop with the Comfort Scale, you can pick the mattress that suits your exact preference of firmness.

Back and Stomach Sleepers

People who sleep on either their back or stomach often appreciate a firm mattress, but one with some padding up top. Pillow top and euro top mattresses are great for delivering this comfort. The firmness of the mattress gives the supportive feeling, and the top padding conforms to the body to bring more cushioning to the areas that need it. Side sleepers might find a firm mattress uncomfortable if it doesn’t have conforming, cushioning support.

What’s your preference? Do you like a firm night of rest? Do you find a carpeted floor as a comfortable place to rest? Do you like something slightly softer than that? US-Mattress.com carries a wide variety of firm feeling mattresses. From rock hard to cushioning stability, we’ve covered every point of firmness on the Comfort Scale. If you’re looking for a firm mattress, look to the Comfort Scale to help you find the perfect comfort level for you.


Organic Bedding

May 8, 2012

Today, as our culture becomes more and more cautiously environmentally conscious, the word “organic” gets thrown around a lot as people strive to purchase products that benefit both the environment and human health. From grocery store aisles to street market counters, people are becoming more curious about the products or goods themselves as opposed to the benefits they provide. Marketing expert Theodore Levitt once said, “People don’t buy a quarter-inch drill. They buy a quarter inch-hole.” However, these days it might be more accurate to say, “People don’t buy a quarter-inch drill. They buy the worker that produced the metal that produced the drill that gave them a quarter-inch hole.” Today’s educated consumer wants to know where the product came from, what materials compose the finished product, and what it took to make or harvest those materials. Naturally (pun intended), the organic discourse runs through all corners of the marketplace, from the food you eat to the way you sleep. With a growing number of organic goods available, more people are becoming curious about the benefits of buying organic. As today’s bedding industry moves right along with this current trend, consumers are wondering more about the benefits or sleeping on organic bedding. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.

Why Organic?

Organic bedding is ideal for not only the environmentally conscious sleeper, but also those with allergies to common bedding materials and/or multiple chemical sensitivities, as it is free from volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and other carcinogenic chemicals. Organic bedding is great for year round comfort, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It breathes more naturally than down and synthetic products, and it quickly wicks away moisture, eliminating clammy sweats and tossing and turning. By regulating body temperature, organic bedding helps the body reach the right sleep temperature quickly, increasing the duration of REM sleep. Additionally, with proper care, organic bedding will last for years, making it a sound investment in great sleep.

Are you shopping for new bedding? Consider purchasing organic materials, and discover the healthy benefits to both you and the environment.


Daybed Bedding

May 3, 2012

I have an old aunt who lives in an old house, and it smells bad and I don’t really enjoy spending the night there. She’s a wonderful woman, really. But she smokes in the house and everything in her house is old. Sometimes I try to say something like, “Aunt Gloria, you should open a window when you smoke.” or “It smells bad in here.” She usually says something like, “Oh now, stop that. I like it. I like it because it smells like the 50′s.” And then I say something like, “Aunt Gloria, I wasn’t alive in the 50′s. And anyway, do you have anything to eat? I’m really hungry.” Once I tried to talk to her about the awful daybed I have to sleep on when I stay there. “What’s wrong with it? All you do is complain. Pass the salt,” she said, perhaps mildly offended. “No no, Aunt Gloria,” I said. “It’s not the bed. The daybed is great. Just a dynamite daybed, really. It’s just-” “The bedding,” she interrupted. “I know. It’s old and it smells like smoke, right?” “Well, yeah” I said. “And also, it’s really ugly and it’s not soft. Have you thought of changing the bedding? Please pass the butter.” “Change the bedding?” she asked, perhaps mildly irritated. “That’s just so much work, and I’m your dear old aunt, and I just don’t have the time or energy for-” I interrupted her, “No no, Aunt Gloria. You’ve got it all wrong! You see, changing daybed bedding is simple and easy. It’s one of the great things about having a daybed. You can change the bedding easily, and there are so many options!” Then she changed the subject.

Aunt Gloria isn’t good with change. I should have told you that. You were probably thinking she was going to change her bedding and that all would end well. She didn’t want new bedding, and I still sleep on the rough and ugly bedding when I go see her. But look, YOU shouldn’t be like my aunt Gloria. If you have a daybed, you should consider making the most out of its versatility and purchase some new bedding. It’s so easy to change the look of a daybed. From daybed ensembles to daybed covers, you can find the perfect way to bring excitement and freshness to your daybed.

Daybed ensembles allow you to easily decorate and redecorate on a whim for any reason. Tired of the old ensemble? Change it! Want to customize the bedding based on your guest’s preferences? Go for it! Consider changing your daybed ensemble with the seasons, and keep your décor fresh and current all year long. The design possibilities are limited only by your imagination and can express any idea or mood that you would like to display. You don’t have to worry about matching pillow shams, a bed skirt, and a comforter. The choices are already made! You just need to decide what kind of look and feel you want your daybed to bring to your room. From bright patterns to subtle colors. From fun to sophisticated. From classic to modern. Treat your daybed like a canvas for your style, and impress your friends and relatives every time they lay their head to rest in your home.


Beautyrest TruEnergy: Living Life Fully Charged™

May 1, 2012

Spring is synonymous with newness. When you look outside your window, you see life breathed into the lungs of the landscape. A flower over by the tree in the back yard that comes back every year, like an old friend stopping in to say hello. The birds that gently lift you from the doldrums of winter. The sun that reaches its warm embrace onto your face like a familiar smile. Spring wakes us up and recharges us after arduous, arid months.

This spring, Simmons breathes life into the mattress landscape with the new Beautyrest TruEnergy line. It’s packed with the newest mattress technology to bring you an unprecedented sleep experience.

Beautyrest TruEnergy combines AirCool memory foam and Beautyrest pocketed coils with the AirCool design, offering the comfort and support your body needs to wake up ready to live life fully charged. AirCool memory foam minimizes heat retention, allows for freedom of movement, and gives superior pressure relief. The foam is layered on top of the genuine Beautyrest pocketed coils that give independent support and conform to your body, ensuring comfort and promoting proper sleep posture all night. The innovative AirCool design features a ventilated foam edge for enhanced airflow to dissipate heat during the night and provide comfort to the edge of the mattress. Additionally, a unique mesh fabric increases airflow and breathability for the most comfortable sleep.

If you’re shopping for a new mattress, and you want to experience the latest mattress technology, then consider a TruEnergy mattress. Recharge your human battery with the Beautyrest Recharge Sleep System, and get the sleep you need to live your life fully charged.


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