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.

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.

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.

Bed Bugs - How to get rid of them video

on Howcast