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3 Ways To Make Your Mattress Last Longer
Life changes when you invest in a good mattress. Finally, you know what it means to have a good night’s sleep. Your partner’s tossing and turning no longer affects you, you no longer wake up stiff and sore and falling asleep is as effortless as counting to five. When buying your mattress, you would have heard that it’s going last you as long as 10 years. It could last you a lot longer than this with the right care – and much shorter if you fail to take the following measures to keep it in good condition. Treat It With Respect The first step in keeping your bed in top shape is showing it a little respect. This means reducing the wear and tear. While your children can share your bed, jumping should be avoided as they could damage your box springs at the same time. Eating in bed is another no-no, as no matter how neat you try to be, you’ll still end up shedding tiny crumbs, which can encourage bedbugs, cockroaches, and ants to flock to the area and infest your bedroom and mattress. Also keep your four-legged friends off your bedding, as they can bring parasites and other nasties such as worms right into your bed. Treat It To Regular Care Enjoying a new bed doesn’t mean just letting it sit there when you aren’t sleeping on it. It needs care too. Flip your mattress every few months – when buying your bed, you would have received information on how to do this. Twice annual vacuuming will also help keep your mattress clean, removing built-up dust that may have accumulated over the months. Treat It To A Quality Base And Protection If you want your mattress to last you longer and make cleaning and maintaining it easier, investing in a quality mattress base, protector and bed sheets are essential. A good base extends your mattress’s lifespan from the bottom up, keeping its structure intact, supporting its weight evenly and preventing sagging. It also encourages your mattress to breathe by letting air move through and around it. A mattress protector protects from the top down, creating a leak and dustproof barrier between you and your bed. Finally, the right bed sheets will provide the perfect finishing touch, Breathable bedding such as bamboo sheets provide excellent temperature control, reducing tossing and turning. Less tossing and turning will keep your bed supporting you for longer. Looking for a mattress that will last you the next decade? Check out the Sleep Republic mattress today or contact us for more bed care tips.
Read moreFor Sheet's Sake ? Why Your Bedding Could Be Impacting Your Sleep
You’ve eliminated caffeine from your diet, put away your cell phone before bedtime and have a quality bed that promises a good night’s sleep. Despite this, you still spend the night tossing and turning – unable to nod off. If this sounds familiar, don’t head off to your doctor for a prescribed sedative just yet. It could be your bed sheet that’s too blame! Here are two common mistakes people make when choosing your bedding and how to choose the right ones for your sleeping needs. Mistake #1 – Using One Type Of Sheet All Year Long Finding the perfect sheets means realising that your needs might change according to the season and that you might need several different sets. Our bodies are sensitive and being too cold or too hot can disrupt our sleeping patterns. Living in Australia, cold weather is less of a concern for us as it doesn’t occur as often, and it’s easier to get warmer than it is to get cooler. Mistake #2 – Prioritising What Goes On Top – And Not What’s Underneath Plenty of time is devoted to people finding the perfect duvets, and you don’t have to go far to seek advice on whether you should choose feathers, cotton or polyester as your filling of choice. Your actual bed sheets and your pillow sheets are just as important. The right sheeting won’t irritate your skin, harbour dust mites and allergens or bunch together. Mistake #3 – Picking The Right Sheets Feeling too hot to sleep? As temperatures in Australia continue to climb all year round, staying cool will not only help you sleep better but also reduce your reliance on an air conditioner. The ideal bedding for a good night’s sleep will be breathable, allowing your body to cycle through heat surges as you sleep without waking you up or causing you to break out in an uncomfortable sweat. Avoid synthetic materials and go for cotton, silk or bamboo. Bamboo sheets are more breathable than their counterparts as they can banish trapped moisture and sweat in half the time. It’s also a durable fabric, meaning it will last longer without yellowing – and without developing unattractive piling. Cleaning it is as easy as tossing it in the wash, and it will get softer and more comfortable each time. Bamboo is suitable for every member of the family as it’s hypoallergenic and resistant to microbes and bacteria – and unlike animal-derived fabrics, you can enjoy it as an eco-friendly and guilt-free alternative. Ready to make the switch? You can find a wide range of bamboo sheets by visiting the Sleep Republic today. You could be sleeping better before you know it!
Read moreChoosing The Best Mattress For Your Child
Childhood is a period of tremendous growth, and everything your child does during this time helps them develop towards adulthood. Sleep is no different, which is why you should put plenty of thought and care into how your child will be sleeping once they’re ready to have a bed of their own. Making the right choice of bed and mattress will ensure that your little one enjoys years of proper rest, so they can wake up each morning ready to take on the day. If you haven’t the faintest idea where to begin, here’s what you need to consider. Size The mattress you choose will depend mainly on the space of your child’s room and your budget. Remember that unlike a crib/cot mattress, a child’s mattress should be able to support them for at least the next five to eight years. If your child shares a room or has a small room, a single mattress is best, while those with more space can choose a double. If you’d like a bed that will grow with them, then an extra-long one will be a good choice. A good option here would be the Sleep Republic Kids Mattress in a King Single size with dimensions of 203 × 107 × 28 cm or a Double Mattress, with dimensions of 188 × 137 × 28 cm. Materials And Support The number of materials and types of support available for mattresses is staggering. A popular option for most parents is foam mattresses as they are a low cost. However, this option doesn’t provide enough support, so it’s a poor choice for kids’ long term. The best comfort layer option is natural latex which will withstand years of use. Most kids’ beds come with either innerspring, open or pocket coils. While open coils (bonnell spring) are cheaper, they don’t stand up well to all the jumping, kicking and playing kids do on their beds, and are less supportive of spinal development compared to pocket coils. Finishing Touches Now that you have your basic choices narrowed down, you’ll need to think of your child’s unique sleeping style and preferences. If they’re prone to allergies, you’ll want a hypoallergenic mattress, and it’s always recommended that you invest in a waterproof, mite-resistant mattress protector such as Sleep Republic’s Tencel mattress protector range. This will protect your child’s mattress and keep it functional for longer. Ready to get shopping? Then check out the Sleep Republic Kids Mattress today.
Read more5 Reasons Why You Need A Bigger Bed
When you don’t have enough car space, you’ll get a car that seats more people, and when you don’t have enough bedrooms in your home, you’ll look for a bigger property. Yet when it comes to your bed, you put up with less space than you’d like. Even though we spend a third of our lives asleep, we often view a nice bed as a luxury purchase. You shouldn’t, as a good night’s sleep is just as important as a comfortable commute and a room of your own. Here are five reasons why it’s time for you to upgrade your bed size. Your bed has seen better days How long have you had your bed? If you have to be honest, did you choose it for its price or its performance? Many of us still sleep on the first beds we ever bought, and we chose them as they were cheap. If your bed is more than eight years old, is sagging or causes you to wake up in the morning stiff and sore, it’s probably time to replace it. It will save you money Many people let the price of a quality bed put them off getting a new one, not realising that the cost of a miserable night’s sleep costs so much more. Think about how much you’ve spent over the past few years on recovering from a poor night’s rest or trying to get a better one. All those cups of coffee, energy drinks, over the counter sedatives and assorted purchases add up. Investing in a quality mattress will definitely pay off in the long run. It will help you sleep better Whether you sleep alone or with a partner, more space means better sleep. You’ll be able to stretch out to your heart’s content, and you’re less likely to be disturbed by a squirming or restless partner with a bigger bed It will grow with you You might be single now and thinking that a single bed fits you just fine. There’s a good chance this might change in the future. Couples need to consider this as well, as if you plan to grow your family, a bigger bed will let a pregnant person sleep more comfortably – and fit in a toddler or two when the time comes. It feels luxurious As housing affordability decreases and demand for central housing increases, homes have become smaller than ever before. When you’re living in a small space, you can feel cramped. You can reduce this feeling by investing in a bigger bed. Even if it takes up more square footage, it will feel more luxurious. You now have more reasons than ever to get a bigger and better bed. With Sleep Republic’s range of King- and Queen-Size mattresses, you can get shopping today.
Read moreWhy You Should Consider A Hybrid Mattress
Human ingenuity is a wonderful thing, and it’s what we have to thank for the products we use in our daily lives. It’s our ability to improve on things that resulted in cars developing better safety systems and our homes being built using brick and mortar instead of straw and mud. The mattress is no different and has come a long way since the reed and rock mats we used thousands of years ago. Nowadays the best mattresses have memory foam or innersprings – and with the creation of the hybrid mattress, you can enjoy both at once. Why Choose A Hybrid? When you think of memory foam, you think comfort, and when you think of innersprings, you think support. A hybrid mattress is soft and inviting, while at the same time letting you move without sinking. It’s a great choice if you have any of the following sleep habits: You sleep on your side – When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips need support. With a hybrid mattress, these areas are relieved of pressure while being kept buoyant. You share a bed – If you struggle to sleep due to an active sleeping partner, a hybrid mattress will reduce the movement you feel. The foam padding absorbs the impact and sound of any extra movement. You like to be cool but comfy – Enjoy the comfort of foam but not how it traps heat? With a hybrid your bed circulates air through the coils, preventing overheating. If you take a look around at hybrid mattresses on the market, you’ll see they come in many variations. Most combine springs, memory foam and latex in layers for the best supportive (springs), comfortable (memory foam) and durable (latex) result. Some mattresses have additional layers and features, and the Sleep Republic mattress is one of them. The Perfect Combination Sleep Republic has developed a hybrid mattress that promises to provide the ultimate sleeping experience. The mattress is encased in soft but firm cashmere, with breathable 3D spacer fabric at the sides for additional circulation. Beneath this lies gel infused memory foam, which contours to your body and offers temperature control for those hot summer nights. To extend longevity, natural renewable latex is used. Finally, the individual pocket springs are arranged into five zones to give your body the support it needs, with high tensile steel springs around the border of the mattress to give extra edge support” The best way to see if a hybrid bed meets your needs is to try it yourself. Don’t delay any longer, check out the Sleep Republic mattress today!
Read morePain In The Back? Why Your Mattress Might Be The Culprit
According to a 2014-2015 National Health Survey, 1 in 6 Australians have experienced lower back pains. The same research estimates that a further 70% to 90% of the population will experience back pains at one point or another. Back pain is a persistent problem for Aussies, stemming from a variety of sources. In some instances, a simple lifestyle change can be the remedy you need. However, if you’re experiencing spasms or any other pain in your back with no medical explanation, it may be time to start shopping around for a better mattress. How to know if your mattress is to blame As mentioned, there are many possible causes of back pain. However, there are a few clues to look out for if you suspect that your bed is the culprit: Discomfort or restlessness, while you try to sleep, can be a sign of using the wrong mattress. You shouldn’t feel back pain first thing in the morning. If you do and the pain goes away during the day as you move around, your bed may well be the culprit. Feeling like your mattress is lumpy or you are slumping in bed? Your mattress needs an upgrade. What to look for in a mattress When you sleep, your spine should be in a neutral position and should be supported throughout your whole body. A medium/firm mattress is best for this because if your mattress is too soft, your body will “sink” and your spine won’t be aligned. Many believe that memory foam will give you the best support, however in the foam vs spring debate, the springs come out on top. Pocket springs give you full body support that just can’t be matched by memory foam slab mattresses. The perfect combination of pocket springs, latex and memory foam in the Sleep Republic mattress makes it ideal for a comfortable and supportive sleep with no back pain! Learn more about our revolutionary pocket spring mattress design. With a 150 night trial and free delivery & returns, what’s not to love?
Read moreHow to Find the Right Pillow Height and Firmness
If you wake up with a stiff or aching neck, your pillow is one of the first things to investigate. A mattress supports the rest of your body, but your pillow is responsible for your neck and the top of your spine. When it is too high, too low, too soft or too hard, your neck muscles work overtime all night just to hold your head in place. Finding the best pillow for neck pain Australia‑wide is not about chasing marketing buzzwords. It is about matching pillow height and firmness to your body, your sleep position and your preferences, then choosing materials that stay supportive through the night. Done right, you can reduce morning stiffness and help your neck finally relax. You can explore the Sleep Republic Pillow here:Sleep Republic Pillow Why pillow height and firmness matter for neck pain Your neck is an extension of your spine. When you lie down, the goal is simple: keep that line as neutral as possible. The wrong pillow forces your neck to bend up, down or sideways, putting strain on joints, discs and muscles for hours at a time. Two elements matter most: Height (loft) Too high: pushes your head up, bending your neck forward. Too low: lets your head drop back, compressing the back of your neck. Firmness (support) Too soft: your head sinks, and your neck ends up at a different angle than when you first lay down. Too hard: you may get pressure points and struggle to get comfortable, causing restless sleep. The best pillow for neck pain balances these two so your head is cradled in line with your spine, not forced into an awkward angle. Matching pillow to sleep position Your sleep position changes what “right height and firmness” look like. A one‑size‑fits‑all pillow rarely works for neck pain. Side sleepers If you are a side sleeper with neck pain: You need a higher pillow to bridge the distance between your shoulder and head. A medium to firm feel is often best so your head does not keep sinking overnight. The goal is a straight line from the back of your head through your neck to your upper back. A pillow for side sleepers neck pain should fill the gap without tilting your head up or down. Back sleepers If you sleep mostly on your back: You usually need a medium‑height pillow. Too much loft pushes your chin toward your chest; too little lets your head tip back. A medium firmness that gently conforms to the back of your head and neck works well. Back sleepers with neck pain often do best with contoured or gently curved pillows that support the natural curve of the neck. Stomach sleepers Stomach sleeping is tough on the neck, because your head is rotated to the side and often lifted too high. If you cannot avoid it: Use a low, softer pillow or even no pillow under your head. Some people find placing a thin pillow under the chest or pelvis reduces strain. For neck pain sufferers, gradually shifting toward side or back sleeping with the right pillow can help in the long run. Why memory foam often works well for neck pain Many people searching for the best pillow for neck pain in Australia end up considering a memory foam pillow Australia option. That is because quality memory foam can offer a useful mix of contouring and support. Benefits include: Shape‑holding support Memory foam responds to the shape of your head and neck, filling gaps and maintaining contact. It can help distribute weight more evenly, reducing pressure points. Consistency through the night Unlike some feather or very soft fibre pillows, memory foam does not collapse into flatness. Your neck stays more consistently supported from bedtime to morning. Design flexibility Foam can be shaped into contours, cooling channels and zoned support areas. This allows pillows specifically designed with neck alignment in mind. The Sleep Republic Pillow uses responsive materials to give that “held but not jammed” feeling many neck‑pain sufferers are looking for. Cooling pillow features: comfort without overheating Support is only half the story. If your pillow traps heat, you are more likely to toss and turn—and each time you do, your neck can end up at a different angle. A cooling pillow can help by: Using breathable covers that wick away moisture. Incorporating ventilation channels or perforations in the foam. Sometimes integrating cooling gel or phase‑change materials to reduce heat build‑up near your head. For Australian nights that can swing from cool to warm, having a pillow that stays comfortably temperate helps you stay in one healthy position for longer, rather than constantly flipping to find the “cool side.” How to tell if your current pillow is causing neck pain Before you switch pillows, it helps to confirm that your current one could be part of the problem. Warning signs include: You wake up with neck stiffness or headaches that ease during the day. Your pillow looks flat or lumpy, even after fluffing. You find yourself folding or stacking pillows to get comfortable. Your neck feels better when you sleep elsewhere (e.g., on a hotel pillow). If any of these sound familiar, your pillow is either the wrong height/firmness or has simply worn out and stopped supporting your neck properly. Step‑by‑step: choosing the right pillow for neck pain Here is a simple way to narrow down the best pillow for your neck: Identify your main sleep position Side, back, stomach or combination. Choose a pillow that primarily suits that position. Match height (loft) Broader shoulders and side sleepers usually need higher pillows. Slighter frames and back sleepers often need medium loft. Pick the right firmness Neck pain often responds well to medium or medium‑firm, rather than very soft. Your head should feel cradled, not perched or sinking endlessly. Consider materials Memory foam or hybrid designs for consistent support. Cooling features if you often sleep hot. Give it an honest trial Allow several nights for your body to adjust. If pain worsens or does not improve after a few weeks, reassess height and firmness. How the Sleep Republic Pillow fits into the picture The Sleep Republic Pillow is designed to tick the main boxes that matter for neck support, while still feeling comfortable and practical for everyday use. It is crafted to: Offer balanced loft and support suitable for many side and back sleepers. Use quality foam and cover materials chosen for comfort and breathability. Maintain its shape night after night, rather than collapsing into a flat pad. Learn more and check if its specifications match your needs here:Sleep Republic Pillow If you are dealing with ongoing or severe neck issues, combining the right pillow with professional advice from a health practitioner can be a powerful combination. Simple adjustments that can boost pillow effectiveness A good pillow does most of the work, but a few small changes can make it even more effective for neck pain: Check your mattress A sagging or overly soft mattress can misalign your whole spine, making any pillow struggle. Align your phone and book habits Avoid propping your head up on multiple pillows for long reading or scrolling sessions in bed. Keep your pillow centred Make sure your head stays near the middle of the pillow, not hanging off the edge. Replace pillows regularly Even good pillows wear out. If yours is several years old and flattened, it is time to reassess. These tweaks can turn a supportive pillow into a more complete neck‑health setup. FAQs: best pillow for neck pain Australia Is a higher pillow better for neck pain? Not always. A pillow that is too high can bend your neck forward and cause more pain. Side sleepers often need more height, but the goal is always a neutral neck position, not simply “higher.” Are memory foam pillows good for neck pain? Many people find memory foam helpful because it supports the natural curve of the neck and holds its shape better than very soft, flattening pillows. The key is choosing the right loft and firmness for your body and sleep position. What is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain? Most side sleepers with neck pain do best on a higher, medium‑firm pillow that fills the space between the shoulder and head. It should keep your neck level, not tilted up or down. Do cooling pillows really make a difference? If you tend to overheat at night, a cooling pillow can reduce restlessness. Less tossing and turning means your neck stays in one supportive position for longer, which can help with pain. How long should I test a new pillow for neck pain? Your body may need a week or two to adjust to a new pillow. If after a couple of weeks your neck pain has not improved—or has worsened—it is worth reassessing the pillow’s height and firmness or seeking professional advice.
Read more7 Cool Tips For Sleeping In Summer
The warmer months come with everything we love – an abundance of ice cream, evening walks, and beach time. The one thing that we don’t look forward to is sleep. Isn’t it a bummer that the scorching weather makes sleep so restless and uncomfortable that you wake up too tired to enjoy anything the next day? If the highlight of your summer sleeping is finding a cold spot on your pillow, follow these cooling tips to help you beat the heat. DIY air conditioning All you need is a bowl of ice cubes placed in front of a running electric fan, and you’re good to go. If you don’t have an air conditioning system installed, this simple hack will do the trick. Pillow talk Most of your body heat is concentrated in your head, so make sure you have the right pillow to regulate its temperature. The Sleep Republic Pillow has a down layer which provides a natural coolness and ventilation as well as a gel memory foam inner core that is vented for maximum airflow and breathability during the night, keeping the pillow fresh. No more pillow flipping! Switch off all appliances and devices Everything from your smartphone charger to your TV generates ambient heat. Don’t leave them switched on beyond necessity. Use your curtains as a shield Despite the beautiful picturesque sky outside, you want to keep your curtains and blinds closed in summer. This is called passive cooling and helps to stop heat entering your heart. Open your windows and leave your curtains shut so they can serve as a shield from warm air and the sun. Get loose Stick to loose fitting pyjamas made from light, natural fabric will help wick the sweat away from your body. Otherwise, if you’re brave, you could go starkers. Bamboo Bed Sheets Better than cotton, both for your sleep and the environment, bamboo bedsheets are breathable and wick away moisture. At Sleep Republic, we’ve found a new way to make soft, durable and breathable sheets – made 100% from bamboo fibre. This product only gets softer with time and keeps you cool during summer. A Gel-Infused, Hybrid Mattress The Sleep Republic hybrid mattress is a perfect antidote to the summer heat. The combination of breathable natural latex and gel-infused memory foam for temperature stability will keep you cool all night long. Sleep Republic has everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Try our pocket spring mattress for 150 nights and see why our customers love it!
Read moreThe Importance Of A Good Mattress Base
A strong foundation is an essential part in the building of any strong and lasting relationship, and this also applies to a mattress and a mattress base, with the latter often being overlooked in the quest for a good night’s sleep. The combination of a good mattress base and a mattress, not only guarantees that you will extend the lifespan of your mattress, but also that you will have a good night’s sleep. However, a bad mattress base, even underneath a good mattress, affects your sleeping system leaving you sluggish, achy or tired in the morning and also contributes to partner disturbance and damage of your mattress. In such a scenario, a common mistake is to replace the mattress, forgetting about the bed base. How to identify a good mattress base A good base will be solidly constructed, enabling it to be strong enough to withstand your weight and the weight of the mattress without any sagging, breaking, cracking or bending. It will apply the same amount of pressure around the whole mattress, keeping you evenly supported throughout the night. Why a slatted bed base is the best Slats provide an even distribution of pressure around your mattress meaning it won’t sag and can bear the weight of a mattress and sleeping people on top of it. You will also feel evenly supported as you sleep. Another important and overlooked features of a good base is air circulation which, not only prevents the build-up of mould and maintains excellent cleanliness but also allows you to have a much cooler and more comfortable sleep. A good bed base is not only important for your sleep but also the life of your mattress. There is no use investing in a high-quality mattress if your bed base is wearing it out. Additional slats support the full weight of the mattress without allowing parts of it to sag, damaging the internal composition. The Sleep Republic mattress base has been designed with 50% thicker slats than standard bed bases meaning it won’t bow, bend or break. They have 14 slats rather than the standard 10 or 12 and a steel centre beam for added support. More slats means the gap between them is reduced, which in turn means that the pocket springs have a firm base rather than being unsupported, potentially damaging the mattress core Don’t forget about your mattress base when upgrading your sleep. Discover the difference at Sleep Republic.
Read moreThe Quest For Rest ? 7 Reasons Why You Cannot Fall Asleep
Sleep is the most important part of your day, despite what breakfast may tell you. Occasional or regular sleepless nights of tossing and turning in a futile effort to get that elusive few hours of shut-eye is an unfortunate fact of life many Australians experience at some point in their lives. If you are struggling to nod off at night, you might be falling victim to these sleep stoppers: A heavy meal before bed A delicious wholesome dinner in the evening after a long day is a nice idea but it could be why you arestruggling to sleep, as your body works extra hard to digest the food especially if the meal is loaded with fat and protein. Have lighter meals if you eat close to bedtime. Electronic disruptions A recent issue we all have to deal with is the reliance on electronic devices. These are with us all day, and if you are spending time on them before bed, it can dramatically impact your sleep. This is because the light from these devices triggers your brain into thinking it is daytime as well as suppressing the production of melatonin, a sleep hormone. Watching a movie or scrolling through your phone also stimulates your brain, making it more difficult to unwind and eventually, nod off. Sharing your bed with your spouse and/or pet Anyone with a partner or pet knows that although you love them, they can be downright disruptive to your sleep. Hot sleepers, blanket hogs, snorers, tossers (literally and figuratively) and the over-affectionate cat or dog can all prevent you from falling asleep. There are plenty of ways to deal with them without banishing them from the bedroom, including getting a larger mattress, earplugs, a fan or separate blankets. You’re too hot/ or cold With the ever-changing weather in Australia, it can be hard to keep up with the temperature changes when you hop into bed. Your choice of sleepwear, bed sheets, mattress or room could be contributing to difficulty falling asleep. Bamboo bed sheets have a natural wicking ability and allow your body to breathe, making temperature control more manageable. Your room glows Any small amount of light from an alarm clock, phone or streaming in through your windows could be keeping you awake, as this light enters your retina alerting your brain that it is daytime. Block out curtains, turning your phone to Do Not Disturb, or a cover for your alarm clock can quickly solve this problem. Thinking too much Thinking too much may stand between you and a good night’s sleep. Meditation and controlled breathing before bed can help you control your thoughts while counting sheep is a trusted method to help you fall asleep too. An uncomfortable mattress If you’ve been through the list and still can’t figure out why you aren’t able to fall asleep, the final culprit could be your mattress. As mattresses get older they can start to sag or feel lumpy which is uncomfortable and could keep you awake. Even if your mattress is relatively new, the wrong kind of mattress can also prevent you from sleeping. The high definition pocket spring mattress from Sleep Republic has a gel infused memory foam layer to aid in pressure relief and temperature control. It is super supportive and is the best mattress for back pain. To see why our mattress in a box is loved by people from all over Australia, visit our website. With free delivery and a 150 night satisfaction guarantee, you’ll be sleeping soundly in no time.
Read moreMoving On? What To Do With Your Old Mattress
If you’ve decided to retire your old mattress and purchase a new one you need to start thinking about how you are going to dispose of the old one. There certainly isn’t enough room for both of them and getting rid of an old mattress can be a pain in the back – not unlike the pain it has been giving you for the past few months. Regardless of how you choose to remove it, you need to make sure it is disposed of responsibly. It’s tempting to just leave it on the side of the road – out of sight, out of mind – but there are many ways you can dispose of it responsibly. Recycle It Every year, 1 million mattresses find their way to landfills all over Australia. Most mattresses are made of cotton, wood, steel and polyurethane, and that’s a combo that’s quite tricky to untangle. Luckily there are a number of mattress recycling programs all over Australia that can recycle up to 75% of the mattress’s materials including the springs and cloth. Give it back When you do decide on where you’re purchasing your new mattress from, ask the store or even the manufacturer if they’ll take your old one off your hands. Many of these businesses already have a mattress recycling solution or charity network that they’ll direct the used mattress towards. Book a pick-up If you’ve missed the yearly council clean up, don’t worry, as you can still book a council pick-up for your old mattress. There are also private waste management services that you can book to pick up your mattress. Sell it If your mattress is still in reasonably good condition – no stains, marks or rips – you might want to consider selling it. People are always looking for affordable mattresses online, so it’s always worth giving it a go. The proceeds can go towards your brand new mattress. Donate it There are plenty of charities who can use your donated mattress to help people in need. You can drop it off at large charity shops, and some charities even offer a pick-up service. This is by far the most rewarding way to dispose of your mattress. Sleep Republic donates their returned mattresses to the Salvation Army. Getting rid of your old mattress has never been easier. Replace it with a high-quality mattress in a box from Sleep Republic. Our mattresses are soft, supportive and will help you have a great night’s sleep. Discover why so many people love our pocket spring and memory foam mattress.
Read moreWhat base should you have with your pocket spring mattress?
Let’s set the scene: you’ve just bought your new Sleep Republic pocket spring mattress. Now you want to make sure you don’t ruin your investment or your health by setting it on an unsuitable base. Although mattresses will sit on any stable and level base, including the floor if they have to, some bases are better than others when it comes to a pocket spring mattress. Here’s a list of common bases, along with our recommendation for what will work best with your Sleep Republic mattress. A quick overview of what’s what when it comes to bases Straight slat base This is a base, usually fabric covered, that has a series of parallel, normally timber, slats running across either a timber or steel frame. Larger bases for Double, Queen have a central ‘bar’ and two sets of slats side by side. Kings are often two separate bases that sit side by side. The key factor to look out for is the width of the individual slats and the gaps between the slats. Ideally the gap should be 5 to 7 cm, more than this will not properly support the pocket springs and possibly damage your mattress. Posture or spring slats These are curved slats, usually timber and sometimes with an adjustment to make them firmer or softer. These were originally designed for solid foam slab construction mattress to compensate for the lack of zoning. Used with pocket springs they will usually make the mattress feel softer and add to partner disturbance. Solid or platform base Often goes with storage units underneath and will have a plywood base that the mattress lies on. Whilst giving a solid base for a mattress the key drawback with these is that they restrict airflow and ventilation of the mattress, and can allow moisture build up. Ensemble base Ensemble bases start their life as part of a set with a mattress. The term is often used for a multitude of different upholstered bases with either a straight slat internal base or a spring system. The spring systems will make the mattress softer and add to partner disturbance. Box Spring Sometimes used to refer to ensemble bases, a US term meaning a fabric covered base with internal spring system. Adjustable or motorised bases These bases have an electric motor and adjust the recline in a number of ways. Because the mattress is ‘bent’ during operation this causes pocket springs to impact one another and can damage the mattress. Use with pocket springs is not recommended. Other spring systems A number of manufacturers sell upholstered bases that have proprietary spring or trampoline like systems inside. As with many other base types covered above these can add to mattress movement and partner disturbance. Our Recommendation We designed our mattress to give an optimum level of support through our High Definition Spring System when coupled with a stable straight slat base. Using other types of bases changes that level of support and very often adds to partner disturbance and disturbed sleep patterns.
Read moreNot All Springs Are Made Equal
The difference between a foam and pocket spring mattress is pretty easy to grasp- one is made from foam, the other is made from pocket springs. But when talking about pocket spring mattresses, things start to get a bit more complex, as not all springs are the same. Spring count When you’re comparing mattresses, you’ll more than likely come face to face with a spring count. It’s pretty tricky trying to picture 1,850 springs in a mattress from a computer screen, but this count is a good way to understand what level of support you’ll be getting – or it should be! We developed the high spring count (more than twice the spring numbers of a standard) High Definition pocket spring core quite simply because more springs mean better support, more durability and less partner disturbance- it’s like watching HD TV compared to standard definition. The smallest mattress we sell has 1081 core springs! The great thing about a pocket spring system is that the springs function independently from one another, drastically reducing partner disturbance and increasing the level of support. So more springs are good right? More pocket springs in the support core are definitely better than less, BUT, just adding thousands of micro springs in the upper layers of the mattress may boost the spring numbers in advertising but can actually undo the whole benefit of your pocket spring mattress. Think of it in cooking terms, a bit of salt in the recipe is great for flavour but too much undoes it all. Why does it matter? Support springs are used in the core of the mattress and therefore provide the support foundation of the mattress. They are engineered to deliver different support zones for the body depending on weight and shape. These springs are the important ones, they will be holding your weight every night and making sure every part of you is being properly supported. Smaller springs added in the top layer of a mattress, in the same way you see different types of foams in a pillow top, simply add layers but they can act to undermine the support of the pocket spring core and the support zoning. How can some springs reduce the effectiveness of pocket spring cores? The comfort layer of a mattress must be engineered precisely to complement the support layer to ensure you receive the full benefit of the core springs. Poor design will leave you feeling the springs underneath or alternatively you can be wallowing in a thick slab. There’s no point in putting important support pocket springs five layers down – that’s like eating your cake wrapped in cellophane! A layer of springs in the pillow top add another undifferentiated layer between you and the support pocket springs, reducing the benefits you should be getting from zoned support in the mattress. So what should you look for? When you see claims for spring numbers in a mattress, always ask how many of those springs are in the important support core. It’s all very well to have 3000 springs, but if only 700 are doing all the support work, that’s not so good! With your Sleep Republic mattress, you get a high spring count where it counts! Number of individual tempered pure steel springs in the Sleep Republic mattress core: King: 2,250 Queen: 1,850 Double: 1,496 King Single: 1,250 Single: 1,081 Learn more about the Sleep Republic Mattress
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