Friday 1 March 2013

Big Dozy Myths Busted!

Despite the general public opinion, even though we all sleep for several hours every night for years on end, this still does not instantaneously make us experts. There are many old wives tales flying around but most of these will all rubbish.

Luckily we have done some research to find out which of these myths are true and which are codswallop.

1) Everyone needs to sleep 8 hours a night.
Everyone is different; this one is certainly a myth. There is no single rule that applies to everyone, some people can function perfectly on 6 hours sleep and feel lethargic after sleeping too much if they attempt to sleep for 8 and there are others who still do not feel rested after 8 hours! Joyce Walsleben, psychologist and author of many books about sleep, puts it: “You’ll know you’re getting enough when you don’t feel like nodding off in a boring situation in the afternoon.”


2) Getting more sleep is healthier for you.
Not true, Actually quite the opposite, there has been studies to show that people who sleep 8+ hours a night regularly die younger than those who get 6-8. The reasons for this is currently unknown, but they have linked oversleeping to conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, depression, headaches and obesity.


3) Waking up during the night will make you tired the next day.
Not always true, if you are waking up of your own accord this could be your own natural sleep cycle, as many animals wake up during the night and return back to sleep with no resulting tiredness. Obviously if you are constantly being woken up then that is a different story.


4) You can catch up on lost sleep on the weekend.
Unfortunately this is a myth. Harvard sleep expert Robert Stickgold has coined the term ‘sleep bulimia’ to describe the process of stocking up on sleep purely at the weekends. This, he says, is counter-productive as it will upset circadian rhythms, making it even harder to achieve a refreshing sleep.


5) Exercising before bed will help you sleep.
Don’t get me wrong being fit and having a regular exercise routine is definitely the key to enjoying a good night’s sleep; but doing it too close to your bed time can have a negative impact and actually hinder your sleep. In fact, sleep experts have even recommended completely avoiding exercise for up to 3 hours before you hit the sack. This is mainly because exercise raises your body temperature and won’t start to fall until 5-6 hours later. Therefore it is vital to exercise at set times regularly, either in the morning or afternoon.


6) Alcohol helps you sleep.
Another myth: Alcohol will cause you to fall asleep quicker, but you will be easily disrupted and sleep will not be as deep, so the quality of your sleep will be compromised.


There are many sleep related myths out there, one thing that is guaranteed to give you the most amazing night’s sleep is picking the correct mattress for you. There’s an amazingly wide variety of mattresses on the market today, so please do your research prior to any purchase, check our other blogs for help with this.

Visit our website : www.mattresstime.co.uk
We will help you sleep like this:

Friday 15 February 2013

The life cycle of a Bed Bug



This is what bed bug bites look like:

The Differences Between Dust Mites and Bed Bugs!

It seems like bed bugs and dust mites are crawling all over the news. Although these critters may seem like one in the same, they are very different. So, how does one tell the difference between the two? Check out this comparison guide for more information and tips on protecting your mattress investment.





Wednesday 13 February 2013

Orthopaedic - What does this mean?

An orthopaedic mattress is a mattress designed to support the joints, back and overall body.
For many back pain sufferers, the orthopaedic mattress can offer a massive improvement in their quality of life. The appropriate support, and a reduction in pressure point pain can help sufferers to get a good night sleep and much needed pain relief.

With medical innovations in the 1950s, many manufacturers of mattresses made an effort to improve their products and give them an edge over their competitors. It was in the midst of this culture that the concept of a medically superior mattress was born. The Orthopaedic Mattress was the final product of many years of research and development from many different companies.
There is no government standard or official designation that will qualify one mattress orthopaedic and the other not. This reality has created much confusion in the bedding industry, to the point where the typical consumer is not able to determine if a mattress is orthopaedic or not.
Orthopaedic Mattresses aren't always super firm, it is possible to get an orthopaedic mattress in various firmness ratings. It is no longer common practice for orthopaedic mattresses to be the firmest mattress on the market. Rather, the best orthopaedic mattress is one which provides sufficient support for the individual in question.

Generally, Firmer mattresses suit people who sleep on their front or their back better than people who sleep on their sides, as the main purpose of the mattress is to keep the spine correctly aligned choosing a slightly softer mattress would be better for a side sleeper.
The modern orthopaedic mattress comes in a variety of designs and materials. Although the classic coil spring varieties are still common, Memory foam, a space age material, has become the current trend in support mattresses. Memory foam produced a revolution in support bedding, with mattress toppers becoming a way to revitalise an old, or overly firm mattress.

Tuesday 5 February 2013

How Is a Latex Mattress Made?

I came across this fantastic little animation, explaining the manufacturing process of latex mattresses!

Enjoy!


 

Friday 1 February 2013

Reflex Foam - What is this?

Reflex foam is name given to a type of medium-firm high density polyurethane foam. It is often used in orthopaedic mattresses and is considered by some to be a cheaper alternative to memory foam. Although it shares the same ‘spring back into shape’ characteristic of memory foam – hence the ‘reflex’ name - but essentially it’s important to distinguish the difference between the two materials as they are by no means the same product.


The average memory foam mattress has millions of tiny holes, and air escapes from these as the mattress foam moulds around the body. This action is activated by pressure and body heat, and results in a foam mattress that offers total independent support without pressure points.

Reflex foam, like memory foam, is also high density, but is constructed in a different way with larger bubbles. When pressure is applied to the bubbles, they act in a similar way to water in a balloon – the air does not escape, and is just displaced ‘sideways’. Once pressure is relieved, the bubbles spring back into shape and the mattress regains its shape.

It’s for this reason that the reflex foam mattress is popular as an orthopaedic mattress, as it offers a firm but comfortable mattress option.

Tuesday 29 January 2013

The "Do"s and "Don't"s of Mattress Care


Mattress DON'Ts


  • DON’T fold your mattress. - The spring unit inside your mattress will be damaged and the tufts may be pulled through the cover if it is bent or rolled. As well as invalidation of your guarantee it will badly affect the comfort of the mattress.

  • DON’T use as a trampoline. - Jumping on the bed will cause irreparable damage to the cover, springs and divan.

  • DON’T use your mattress on old worn divans. - Using an old worn divan, will affect or even damage the longevity of your new mattress.

  • DON’T sit on the edge of your mattress. - If you sit on the edge of your mattress for prolonged periods, this causes compression of the mattress fillings and causes damage to the mattress walls.



Mattress DO’s


  • DO turn or rotate your mattress. - To keep your mattress in pristine condition and allow for even filling settlement and comfort, turn or rotate in keeping with details in the care instructions.

  • DO let your mattress breathe. - After unwrapping your bed from its packaging, leave it uncovered for a few hours to allow any condensation and odour to escape. Carefully dispose of the protective polythene covers as they can pose a danger to small children.

  • DO use a mattress protector. - For health and hygiene and in order to avoid discolouration and marking of your mattress, We recommend the use of a washable mattress protector. Any staining will void your guarantee.

  • DO clean your mattress regularly. - Your new bed should be brushed or vacuumed (using the upholstery attachment) every month to keep it fresh. You should pay particular attention to the tuft buttons, as dust tends to settle there.

  • DO check the castors. - Periodically check the castors on the divan to ensure they are secure.

Memory Foam - What is this?

Memory foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as "visco-elastic" polyurethane foam.


  • Perfect for everyone - Whether you sleep on your back, stomach or side, memory foam mattresses are perfect for you. Memory foam moulds, contours and cradles every part of your body allowing you to get into your most comfortable position naturally.
  • Won't disturb your partner - Memory foam mattresses contour to your body's exact contours, and your partners. If you get up at night your partners portion of the bed remains undisturbed. 
  • Chiropractic support - Memory foam mattresses support every part of your body, evenly and individually. This allows the spine to stay in a natural position. A memory foam mattress reduces pressure points on your spine and assists in reducing tossing and turning at night.
  • Hypoallergenic - Foam mattresses are great for allergy sufferers. Memory foam is hypoallergenic. 
  • No Flip Styling - Foam mattresses don't sag like conventional mattresses. You will never need to flip or turn a memory foam mattress.
  • NASA Developed - Memory foam was developed by NASA to reduce G-Forces on astronauts during take off and to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. Memory foam mattresses prove to be the best sleep systems modern technology can offer. 
  • Comfort and luxury - Memory foam mattresses create a sleeping experience where you are cradled in comfort and luxury, while providing you the best nights sleep. Just ask anyone who has one!
  • No more dust mites - Most beds and mattresses are great environments for dust mites. A memory foam mattress is naturally resistant to dust mites and is naturally anti microbial. 
  • Recommended by thousands of health professionals - Thousands of doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists recommend memory foam mattresses for their patients. Many patients report deeper sleep, less tossing and turning and diminished pain.
  • Memory Foam moulds to your body - Memory foam mattresses mould perfectly to your body shape reducing pressure on your neck spine and all other joints. You will experience greater comfort helping you to sleep for longer and promotes a straighter spinal position whilst sleeping. 

Thursday 24 January 2013

Open Spring Mattresses - What are these?


  • The most economical type of mattress
  • One of the most well established spring styles
  • Extremely variable choices in size, depth and aesthetics


What is Open Coil?

Open coil mattresses use one of the most long-standing methods of construction.
Most people have slept on an open coil mattress at some point in their lives, and they are still some of the most widely-available mattresses on the market. Their construction means that they provide the support you need, whilst leaving plenty of room for a variety of fillings that help to provide you with comfort as well as support.



The fairly simple construction of the open coil mattress means that it is one of the most cost-effective mattresses on the market. If you are looking for a budget mattress, you will find a range of open coil mattresses that are both comfortable and affordable.

Open coil springs are usually about 5-6 coils high. A standard double bed has 325 of these coils, although some manufacturers may use more and, of course, the coil count increases as the mattress size rises to king and super king. The coils are all assembled into a single construction with helical wire. This is a thinner, spiral wire that joins the coils at top and bottom to form several rows. An outer rod is then fitted around the top and bottom of the finished construction to provide additional strength. Once the basic construction is completed, the mattress can be filled and the ticking applied.

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Pocket Springs - What are these?

The name "Pocket Spring" is referring to the type of coils used in a Pocket Sprung mattress.
The biggest clue to what these are is in the name, they are pocketed springs, the coil is placed inside it's own little pocket of fabric. This allows each spring to react independently, stopping movement from disturbing anyone else you may be sharing your bed with. It also prolongs the life of the coils which in turn prolongs the life of your mattress.

Pocket springs are generally more expensive than regular open coil mattresses but this price difference is reflected in the quality and life span of the mattress.

Pocket spring mattresses range from soft to ultra firm depending on the number of springs and the other fillings within the mattress.

Generally the number of springs reflects the firmness of the mattress, 3500 being a firm mattress, and 600 being a soft mattress. Although there are other fillings which can cause a mattress to feel softer, for example when topped with memory foam a 3500 would probably feel more like a medium yet still give the spinal support that a firm mattress would offer.

Pocket spring mattresses with memory foam are amongst the most popular mattresses at the moment, as pocket springs offer the greatest life span and excellent support with the addition of the memory foam to help relieve pressure points and comfort to the mattress.

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Simple way to choose your mattress

Choosing the correct mattress is an extremely difficult task, especially when you are bombarded by terminology, eg, reflex foam, pocket springs, bonnel springs, visco foam, etc. Trying to choose the one best for your needs is especially hard when you don't understand what these words mean.
I am going to try to help you make sense of these terms and also explain to you a simple way to test whether a mattress is offering you the support you need for a peaceful nights sleep.


Choosing the correct mattress firmness rating

The only proper way to test a mattress is to lie on it - preferably on both your back and side. To test how well the mattress supports the spine when lying on your back, place your hand in the small of your back.

hover over the images to see the spinal alignment:


If when you lay on your back on the mattress with your hand under the small of your back there it is not enough room for your hand, it's squished and tight to remove, this mattress is too soft for you. Also check your spinal alignment, maybe best you ask someone else who can see you better. (Best take a friend or partner with you!)


If when you lay on your back on the mattress and you put your hand under the small of your back and there's lots of room to move your hand around, this mattress is too firm for you.


If when you do the test on a mattress and it is a snug fit but easy to remove your hand then this mattress is offering you the correct support, you are getting the best benefit from the springs, but don't forget to check from your side also to make sure it is keeping your spine nice and straight.

Thursday 17 January 2013

How To Clean Your Mattress, The Natural Way!

I stumbled across this and thought I would share it!
How to do it:
STEP 1: Remove all bedding and throw it in the wash.
STEP 2: Lift up your mattress and vacuum in between the mattress and box spring.
STEP 3: Add 1 cup baking soda, and about 5-6 drops of essential lavender oil to a Tupperware container. Pop the lid on, and shake well.
STEP 4: Empty Tupperware into your strainer and sprinkle it all over your mattress. Let sit for up to an hour.
STEP 5: Using your vacuum's hose, suck up all the baking soda. While you're at it, say "adios" to all of those nasty bed bugs and dust mites — yep, they're in there! Baking soda is great because it draws up any deep dirt and ick that has been lying there in your mattress, along with any moisture. Also, the smell of lavender is amazing, and will make you sleep like a baby!