Which Mattress Will Help You Sleep at Night? (Guest Post)

When it comes to shopping for a new mattress, all the different types that are available to choose from can be quite overwhelming. Of course, each manufacturer will claim that theirs will give you the best night’s rest you have ever had. But with such a large investment and something that you will spend a large portion of your life on, you want to be sure to get it right. This article explains each type of mattress available along with the pros and cons of each. So stop losing sleep over your next mattress purchase and read on.

The first thing you need to know about mattresses is that there are three types of mattress construction: innerspring, memory foam, and latex foam. Each has different support properties, lifespan, price point, and maintenance required.

Innerspring

This is the standard, tried-and-true mattress construction. The main mattress support is provided by metal springs that are contained inside the mattress. These springs spread your weight over the surface of the mattress to provide support. There are many variations of spring design and firmnesses but they all use this same basic principal. A properly cared for quality innerspring mattress should last between seven and ten years

Pros

Least expensive mattress option

Many brands and constructions to choose from

Lightest type of mattress

A memory foam pad can be added to get the feel of a more expensive memory foam mattress

Cons

May require periodic rotation and/or flipping

Coils may break or poke through the mattress as it ages

Mattress may begin to sag in the middle or wear unevenly as it ages

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a high-density visco-elastic polyurethane foam that was developed by NASA as a cushioning material. Memory foam gets its name from its ability to mold to pressure applied to it and then return to its original form once the pressure is removed. The foam responds to body heat by giving way to cradle the sleeper’s body. A properly cared for memory foam mattress should last between ten and twenty years.

Pros

Conforms to body shape to provide support

Lasts up to twenty years

More resistant to bed bugs and dust mites that innerspring mattresses

Reduced motion transfer across the mattress

Cons

Expensive compared to innerspring mattresses

Holds heat and may make the sleeper uncomfortably hot

Eventually loses some spring-back as it becomes compressed over time

Mattresses are very heavy

May give off an odor when new

Latex Foam

Latex foam mattresses use a latex foam core for support. Latex foam is created by whipping latex with air to create a open cell foam that is durable and supportive. There are two latex foam manufacturing processes: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop is the older process and features a firmer support with increasing rigidity from top to bottom. Talalay is the newest process, which is slightly softer, more durable, has an even consistency throughout, and is more expensive than Dunlop mattresses. A properly cared for latex foam mattress will last between ten and twenty years.

Pros

Up to three times more durable than memory foam

Open cell construction allows airflow and prevents heat build up

Dust mite resistant, hypoallergenic, and naturally mold and mildew proof

Cons

Latex foam mattresses are the most expensive option

Mattresses are very heavy

Less conforming than memory foam mattresses

May give off an odor when new

Conclusion

So keep all this in mind when deciding which type of mattress is right for you and your budget. The best way to determine the best mattress for you is to test it out. Also, many retailers will let you return a mattress after several weeks if you end up not liking it. So shop with confidence and you will be sleeping better before you know it.

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This is a guest post written by Michelle Gordon:

Bio: +Michelle Gordon is a sleep expert who researches and writes about sleep, and is an online publisher for Latexmattress.org

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Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Our Immune Systems

 

Trouble sleeping not only causes us to feel fatigued during the day but it can also take a toll on our health and weaken our immune system. It turns out that those who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds and stay ill longer. Why? Because during sleep, our immune system produces cytokines, small protein molecules that combat viruses and bacteria.

Sleep disorders, frequent waking up at night and shallow sleep can all cause disorders in our immune system — making us more vulnerable to disease and virus attacks. Therefore getting an adequate amount of sleep is important for our well being; average adults need 7-8 hours of sleep while school-age children need up to 9-10 hours (although individual needs may vary).

Here are some tips to help you get to sleep and stay asleep during the night:

–          Stick to a schedule. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.

–          Do not over indulge before bed. While it is important not to go to sleep hungry it is also crucial not to overeat. Have a light dinner at least 30 minutes before heading to bed.

–          Relax. Before bedtime, take an aromatic bath, read a book or listen to music.

–          Ventilate your bedroom – Experts agree that the most comfortable temperature for sleep is 65-70 degrees.

–          Avoid sleeping during the day. If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep then naps are not recommended as they may disturb your day/night sleep rhythms.

 


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Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.

October is SIDS Awareness Month

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, is the name for sudden and unexplained death of an infant younger than a one year old. It is estimated that each year over 7,000 babies die from SIDS in the United States It strikes families of all races, ethnic and socioeconomic origins. Determining the cause of SIDS baffles scientist all over the world. Even though we don’t have solid answers yet, doctors have isolated several risk factors that may play a role in SIDS, such as: stress in a normal baby, caused by infection or other factors, a birth defect, failure to develop and or a period of rapid growth when babies are especially vulnerable.

Ways to prevent SIDS:

–          Place babies on their back to sleep- this is the safest position for a baby to sleep in, placing them on their stomachs or sides nearly doubles the risk of SIDS.

–          Avoid sleeping with your baby in the same bed – even if it’s just a day nap.

–          Avoid smoking cigarettes during and after your pregnancy ,  protect your baby from second-hand smoke

–          Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleeping area- those items could potentially cover your baby’s face and cause suffocation.

–          Place your baby on the firm surface, such as safety-approved crib mattress cover with fitted sheet

–          Avoid letting your baby overheat during sleep- Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

–          Make sure that your baby can move arms and legs freely during sleep.

For more information about crib safety visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/

To learn more about SIDS click on the link below:

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-sleep-safety


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Important:
The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.