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.

Leave a Comment » | Bedding and Linens, Mattress Buying Tips | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan

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!

Leave a Comment » | Mattress Buying Tips | Permalink
Posted by Rodney

Choosing a Coil System That’s Right for You.

December 15, 2011

For over 100 years mattresses have been using an innerspring or coil to provide support. Many different types of innerspring systems have been developed over the course of the past 100+ years. Which brings us to today’s topic: what are the main types of coil systems and what are the differences? Today there are 4 main coil types: Bonnell, Marshall, Offset, and Continuous.

The Bonnell coil has been used in bedding longer than any other coil. Originally developed for use in buggy seats, this coil can still be found in many low to mid range quality mattresses. These coils are hourglass shaped (think wider at the top and bottom, thinner in the middle) and provide decent support. The problem with Bonnell coils is that while they do provide decent support, they don’t last very long. Your typical Bonnell coil mattress comes with a maximum warranty of only 5 years. If you’re looking for a guest bedroom mattress or plan on replacing your mattress within 5 to 7 years, a Bonnell coil mattress is a good way to save money.

Next up is the Marshall Coil, also known as the individually wrapped or pocketed coil. A Marshal coil mattress contains rows of coils that are usually encased in fabric and then sewn together instead of being linked by steel wire. Marshal coils work independently meaning the coils you put pressure on are the only coils that push back. A Marshal coil is great at reducing the amount of motion that is felt when another person moves. If you’re a light sleeper or sleep with someone who is, a mattress that uses a marshal coil is a great choice. In addition to motion separation, a Marshal coil mattress is designed to provide a very gentle support compared to other “linked” coil systems. The two most popular brands that use a Marshal coil are Simmons Beautyrest and Stearns & Foster.

The third type of coil is the Offset coil. The Offset coil is another hourglass shaped coil, but unlike the Bonnell coil, portions of the top and bottom convolutions are flattened and then linked together by a series of helical wires. Offset coils are designed to conform better than other tied coil systems and provide excellent support as well as long term durability. Offset coils have made a big splash in the mattress industry thanks to the success of Sealy Posturepedic.

Last but not least is the Continuous coil. Continuous coils are very similar to an offset coil except the entire coil system is made from one piece of steel. Like the Offset coil, a Continuous coil system provides great support and long lasting durability (10+ years). The Continuous coil system can be found in the Serta Perfect Sleeper line of mattresses.

So you’re probably wondering, what coil system is the best? Well, it all depends on what you want out of your mattress. If you’re shopping for a mattress that is going to be used part time, or for a short amount of time-think college student- then a mattress that uses a Bonnell coil is going to save you money and get the job done. If you’re a light sleeper or sleep with someone who is, a Marshall coil mattress is the way to go due to it’s superior motion separation. If you’re looking for a solid support and want your mattress to last as long as possible, a mattress that uses an Offset or Continuous coil system is probably the best choice. After you have established what you want from your mattress remember this- whatever coil system you choose, if it’s for you and you want it to last, make sure you remember to choose a mattress that has at least a 10 year NON-PRORATED warranty.

Leave a Comment » | Mattress Buying Tips | Permalink
Posted by Rodney

Black Friday

November 24, 2011

Tomorrow, Black Friday, is the biggest shopping day of the year. You’ve probably been slammed with Black Friday ad after Black Friday ad. Before you go out and buy a new mattress this coming holiday, keep a few things in mind.

The average person spends roughly 8 hours a night sleeping. That’s 2,290 hours a year! This fact, along with our physical and psychological need for restful sleep, is why it’s important to buy a mattress that both supports your back and suits your desired comfort level. If Black Friday is day one of your mattress search, we recommend that you do not walk away with a mattress. Instead, do your research. Figure out what comfort level is best for you. Go to your local store and try out a variety of mattress types and brands. Then, use our trademarked Comfort Scale to pinpoint the exact comfort level of your liking.

Also, keep in mind that comfort and the actual support your back receives are different. A soft pillow top mattress can offers the same back support, if not better, than a firm mattress. Ultimately, the quality of support depends on the quality of the innerspring within the mattress. A mattress’s comfort level derives from the type of comfort layers that surround the innerspring. Learn more about comfort vs. support.

Buying a new mattress is not as easy as say, buying new socks. For a successful shopping trip, download our handy Smart Shopping Mattress Guide. This guide provides you with all the information you need to make a smart, informed decision.

This Friday it may be tempting to buy the cheaper “no name” mattress you see on sale…but don’t! Remember, you’ll be spending a third of your next few years on this mattress. If you don’t recognize the name, you can’t know what’s actually in the mattress.

1 Comment | Mattress Buying Tips | Permalink
Posted by Cara

Lasting Impressions

November 14, 2011

Memory Foam Mattresses are becoming more and more popular in the mattress world. So what is all the hype about? We’re here to help educate you on memory foam and the types of memory foam mattresses available.

Memory Foam, sometimes referred to as Visco Elastic Foam, is a type of man-made foam that reacts to body temperature and body weight, conforming and molding to the shape of your body. Memory Foam, first developed for NASA to provide comfortable travel for astronauts, is now being used in bedding to provide pressure relief, increase motion separation, and create a healthier sleep environment.

Not all Memory Foam is created equal, however. There are 3 main types of memory foam on the market today.

1. Traditional Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam is the most popular type. When most people say they want memory foam, they mean traditional. This foam, made popular by Tempur-Pedic, has many great advantages.

First, it reduces pressure points and conforms to the body better than traditional innerspring mattresses. This is important because less pressure means better blood circulation and a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.

Second, It is anti-dust mite and anti-microbial which creates a healthier sleep environment. Maintaining a healthy sleep environment sounds like a no brainer. However, many people suffering from allergies aren’t aware of how much their mattress plays a role in how well they breathe the following morning.

Third, memory foam reduces the amount of motion transfer better than any other mattress type. This feature is very important if you sleep next to someone who tosses and turns, disturbing your sleep.

Last but not least, memory foam is the most durable foam on the market. Most mattresses warranties require 1 ½” body indentation before they are considered defective, but most traditional memory foam mattresses only require ½”. For the most part, traditional memory foam is a great product, but some traditional memory foam customers have experienced some drawbacks: traditional memory foam tends to retain more body heat than other mattress types, and, because the foam is slow to react to any changes in movement, some customers feel as though they are sleeping in “quicksand”. It is important to remember to take these minor drawbacks into consideration when choosing the memory foam that is right for you.

2. Next Generation Memory Foam

Next Generation Memory Foam or NXG foam is becoming more widely available and well known thanks to Simmons. NXG foam shares a lot in common with traditional memory foam: It’s great at reducing pressure and motion transfer. It is anti-microbial and anti-dust mite. It also carries a fantastic warranty, (Some as high as 25 years!) but that is where the similarities end. The biggest advantage of NXG memory foam is the fact that it responds much faster than traditional memory foam and thus virtually eliminates the “quicksand” feeling reported by some customers. Also, the open celled structure of NXG memory foam allows better airflow and less heat retention. Please note that NXG memory foam, like all memory foam, still works on and retains a certain degree of heat, it just retains less than traditional memory foam mattresses. I have received very few complaints on NXG foam mattresses except from customers who enjoy a firm to very firm comfort level. NXG is a bit softer than traditional memory foam so if you want a memory foam mattress that feels very firm, you will want to look at traditional memory foam or gel memory foam.

3. Gel Memory Foam

Gel memory foam is the newest addition to the memory foam category and has been gaining popularity thanks to the new iComfort line of Serta mattresses. Like traditional memory foam and NXG foam products, gel memory foam mattresses are great at reducing pressure and motion transfer. These mattresses are anti-microbial, anti-dustmite, and carry an outstanding warranty. Gel memory foam is different than traditional or NXG because like the name indicates, the memory foam is infused with the same type of gel commonly found in athletic equipment and shoe sole inserts. The reason for this is because gel naturally retains less heat than memory foam and, like anyone who has walked in a pair of shoes lined with gel inserts, knows gel is great for reducing pressure. Also, many gel memory foam mattresses have been praised by customers for having a very solid, supportive feel.

Gel memory foam mattresses haven’t been on the market long, so there isn’t a great deal of feedback collected. The only complaint I have heard about gel memory foam is that some customers have reported an inconsistency in comfort meaning the mattress they received in their home felt different than the demo model at the store. However, for the most part, this new product has been well received by customers and critics alike.

So what memory foam is right for you? It’s hard to say, but I will say this: if you enjoy a softer comfort with a quick response time and less “sinking”, go for NXG memory foam. If you like a firmer mattress but want the benefits of memory foam, traditional memory foam will give you the widest variety of comforts and price points to choose from. If heat retention is a huge concern, gel memory foam is probably the best choice. Don’t let the sea of products confuse you, ALL memory foam products are great at reducing pressure and helping you receive a better night’s sleep, it’s just the little idiosyncrasies that separate the various lines. Whatever product you choose, make sure that the retailer offers you the ability to exchange it for at least 100 nights after purchase because it will take about 30-45 days for your new mattress to go through the normal break in period. View our selection of memory foam mattresses below:

All Memory Foam
NxG Memory Foam
Gel Memory Foam

Leave a Comment » | Ask Our Experts, Mattress Buying Tips | Permalink
Posted by Brenda

Choosing the Right Firmness

August 9, 2009

It was once common practice to sleep on an extremely firm mattress to help back problems. That’s not the case today. Current mattress technology allows for more cushioning while still providing great support.
In fact, if a mattress is too firm, it won’t provide enough support to your lower back and may cause more issues with sore shoulders and hips. If you’re unsure of what comfort works best for your body, go to a store and lay down on what they have available.
And, before you purchase, make sure the store you’re buying from has an exchange program. Laying on a bed for a few minutes in a store is completely different than sleeping all night on a brand new mattress. No matter what kind of mattress you buy may take you up to a month or two to get used to. However, if it’s been more than two months and you’re still having problems, you’ll want to make sure you can exchange it for a new one that will work better for you.

Leave a Comment » | Mattress Buying Tips | Permalink
Posted by Brenda

The Name Game

July 29, 2009

Mattress manufacturers routinely change names between stores to make it harder for you to comparison shop. However, don’t let that stop you. Ask the sales person for more information about the mattress you’re interested in. Take a pen and some paper with you and ask the number of coils in the mattress, mattress height without boxspring, and if the mattress contains any Visco memory foam or Latex; your local retailer
should have this information on file.
With those little tidbits, you’ll be able to match just about any mattress online or in store by yourself. If you need more help, sometimes names are well known enough that we can match with just that information. Give us a call at 1-800-455-1052 and we can try to help. If there isn’t an exact match, there may be one similar enough that can still save you hundreds of dollars.

Leave a Comment » | Mattress Buying Tips | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Brenda

Next Entries »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 329 other followers