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Nothing To Sniff At ? How A Mattress Protector Can Help People With Allergies
Living in a pet, pollen and dust filled world isn’t easy when you’re an allergy sufferer. The constant sneezing, watery eyes and heaving coughs aren’t particularly nice to deal with. You would think that your bed would be the safest place for you; wrong! Allergy sufferers can have problems sleeping due to the allergens lurking in or on your mattress. There is a solution though. Have you ever thought of using a mattress protector? Why does my mattress need protecting? Is it under attack? Well, kind of. Dust mites are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye and they feed on flakes of human skin. Dust mites will live anywhere; clean, dirty – they don’t discriminate. Mattresses are their favourite place to live. Dead skin cells and sweat – what more could a bug want? They usually go unnoticed unless you have an allergy; then they become your worst nightmare. Dust mites secrete enzymes in their faeces which some people are allergic to. This leads to sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes which is not the most helpful thing in the world when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. How does a mattress protector work? A mattress protector sits over your mattress but under your fitted sheet. The largest side will often have an extra layer of material that acts as a barrier to the mattress, meaning the faces of those pesky little dust mites can’t get through and cause havoc with your allergies. What you should look for in a mattress protector If you are an allergy sufferer, you need to make sure your mattress protector conforms to medically recommended allergy standards. Anything less might not be as effective in preventing allergic reactions. Also, look for antibacterial properties to protect you and your mattress against bacteria, mould and mildew, which can cause an allergic reaction. Our PureCare 5 Sided Silver Mattress Protector will guard you against allergens and help you get a good nights’ sleep. It features MiteTight® seams, combined with OmniGuard® Advance lightweight performance fabric that fits snuggly around your mattress. The application of Silver Chloride into the fabric ensures you are safeguarded from mould, bacteria and mildew, as well as stains and odours. Want to know more? Discover the ultimate mattress protector for allergy sufferers at Sleep Republic. Need a mattress to go with your mattress protector? Shop our famous mattress es in a box.
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Why latex is so good in bed(s)!
Why is Latex used so often in mattress construction? Latex is a great material functionally in mattresses because it has excellent rebound, softness and resilience characteristics. It is an excellent comfort layer, it feels good and rebounds and recovers really well from compression. It has the added advantage of being all or part natural (more on that later). Used either on its own or in conjunction with other foams, it delivers an important component of the mattress comfort feel, and as a layer over pocket springs in hybrid mattresses, it delivers a perfect comfort transition between soft body and harder springs. It is for that reason that we use it as the base layer in our Sleep Republic pillow top. Does latex make a mattress hot? A small proportion of people are “hot sleepers”. Feedback over many years from these hot sleepers shows the trigger is as likely to be any one of foam, memory foam or latex. Most often it is associated with solid ‘slab’ construction together with softer or plusher feels that can envelop the body and trap heat. Firm or medium firm mattresses with spring cores seem to present fewer problems for those predisposed to heat build up. What about latex sensitivities? While some people are sensitive to latex and foam odour or “off-gassing”, a very small proportion have an actual allergy to the proteins contained in latex – the same proteins are found in apple, avocado and tomatoes amongst others. Allergic reactions are most often in response to contact with the latex protein and much less likely in response to latex embedded in the construction, and not actually in contact with the body. Latex is broadly used in many products including shoes, underwear leg and waistbands, condoms, dishwashing gloves, balloons and baby bottles. Most people who have an allergy are well and truly aware of it because so many products contain latex. Natural vs synthetic latex Latex is a natural product, essentially rubber harvested from rubber trees, whereas synthetic latex is made using polymers and is basically a type of foam. Each are alike in the way they feel and respond, but, natural latex is more durable, resilient, healthier and better for the environment. When you’re on a good thing… We use natural latex as a part of our mattress comfort layer quite simply because it delivers the best all-round outcome for comfort, durability and sustainability!
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The Biggest Myth About Bed Sheets
Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Added to that it’s covered in nerves and sensory receptors which make touch and feel so important. Research shows that the physical touch directly affects how you feel. The softer the touch, the happier we feel. No wonder babies and children so often need that soft toy or fabric piece to settle down, and it’s not really any different for us adults! You spend a third of your life between the sheets, so to speak, so it makes sense that you choose the best sheets to help you love that bedtime. You need sheets that feel good as well as being durable, breathable, moisture wicking and sustainably produced. Beyond thread count and the hype Popular mythology says ‘High thread count good – low thread count not so’ – wrong!! The truth is that when it comes to feel and softness, don’t select your sheets based on thread count. Some 1,000+ thread count sheets might be soft but some feel like a canvas sack. Of far more importance is the actual feel of the fabric, how it performs (breathes and wicks moisture) and how durable it is. Fabric feel The way a fabric is woven results in microscopic bumps in the surface. A traditional weave with ‘one over one under’ results in a rougher feel than a sateen weave that has ‘four over one under’ and feels smoother and ‘silk like’ because of the longer thread runs. For our sheets we selected fabric woven from fibre made using renewable Bamboo pulp woven in a sateen weave pattern. The resulting fabric with a 375 thread count is extremely soft. Performance After selecting a fabric that feels gentle you should look for a fabric that breathes and wicks moisture effectively. Bamboo fabric breathes remarkably well and wicks moisture away from the body (some tests show it is 40% more absorbent than cotton). Durability Poor quality bamboo sheets have a great soft feel but they don’t last and are prone to heavy pilling (those aggravating little ‘baubles’ that form on the fabric). We selected a weave and thread quality that makes a more durable and pill resistant sheet that not only lasts and lasts but gets softer with every wash. What are you waiting for? Sleep like a baby again with your own bamboo ‘comforter’ sheets!
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Why choose Sleep Republic?
Every day there seems to be a new “mattress in a box” company popping up out of nowhere. It’s become a crowded market in the last 12 months and hard for the average consumer to differentiate between them all. This is just a little ironic given that online mattress shopping started with the intention to make the buying process less confusing! At least once a day we get asked “so what’s the difference between you and ”. To us the answer is quite clear, but we understand the differences may not be as discernible to you, someone who simply just wants a good night’s sleep, a good mattress, for a fair price, with no risk or hassle. Leave the technical jargon, marketing gimmicks and in-your-face ‘can’t get rid of’ pop up advertisements with the other guys…here is why we genuinely believe you should choose Sleep Republic when purchasing your next mattress 1. Experience The founders of Sleep Republic are the designers of the Sleep Republic mattress and have been in the mattress industry for over 20 years (yet somehow don’t look a day over 21, right guys?). The concept of Sleep Republic started from the existing knowledge of what makes a great mattress and identifying a way to provide it, risk and hassle free, to the customer’s front door within a matter of hours. The design didn’t happen overnight, it is the result of decades of experience in designing, identifying high quality components, manufacturing and selling mattresses. We can’t speak for the other “mattress in a box” companies out there, but we think you would be hard pressed to try and find anyone with the years of experience, knowledge, and passion for the mattress industry as the founders of Sleep Republic. 2. Product To say our team is passionate about the Sleep Republic mattress would be a colossal understatement. Even afterhours and off duty, you’re likely to find us fanatically speaking to anyone who will listen about HD pocket springs, the drawbacks with foam mattresses, better side support systems and other riveting topics- ignoring the weird looks we receive from friends and family when doing so. We care about this product because we truly believe in it. The Sleep Republic mattress is not a glorified piece of foam masked by a bunch of nonsense marketing jargon. The Sleep Republic mattress is a medium-firm, pocket spring mattress that feels soft and comfortable, yet firm and supportive, and was designed with quality materials by knowledgeable mattress industry professionals. Hot tip: If a mattress website can’t show you exactly what’s in the mattress and explain in plain terms without using jargon, then you probably should be looking elsewhere! See exactly what’s in the Sleep Republic mattress here. >>Check out our guide to furnishing your new home<< 3. Customer Service The Sleep Republic team take customer service very seriously. When you call Sleep Republic, write to us on the live chat feature on the website, email us or message us on Facebook- you are speaking directly to the Sleep Republic team, not an outsourced service reading from a script. You are speaking to industry professionals who genuinely care about your mattress buying experience. We want to make sure that everyone who comes into contact with Sleep Republic, whether they become a customer or not, has a good experience when searching for a new mattress. We know mattress shopping isn’t the most thrilling thing in the world, and most of us have had retail shopping experiences that left a bad taste in our mouths. Pushy sales people, jacked up prices and way too many options have driven people to start searching for mattresses online. Mattresses are a 10 year investment and we want to make sure you are as informed as possible before purchasing, so you’re confident that you’re making the right choice. Our goal is to make sure everyone we speak to feels informed, confident in their decision making, and happy with their overall experience. And let’s face it, there can be hiccups (we’re all only human!), but to us good service means that if the hiccups happen you’re able to easily reach someone who cares and is going to work to help you. >>Read Sleep Republic customer reviews<< We hope this info has helped set Sleep Republic apart from the rapidly growing pack. If you have any questions about the Sleep Republic mattress, or anything mattress related at all, you can reach us through your favourite method of communication: Got the gift of gab? Give us a call on 1-800-Sleep-1 Don’t have much time? Send a quick message via the live chat on sleeprepubnew.wpengine.com Lots of questions? Shoot us an email on info@sleeprepublic.com.au Social butterfly? Send us a message on Facebook >>SHOP THE MATTRESS<<
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A Mattress in a Box? Here’s How It Works and Why It’s a Game Changer
A mattress in a box might sound surprising at first. How can a full-sized mattress — with springs, foam, and support layers — arrive neatly packed in a compact box? Yet across the country, more people are choosing a mattress in a box Australia-wide because it’s simpler, faster, and often delivers better value than traditional mattress shopping. At Sleep Republic, we’ve refined the process to create what many customers consider the best mattress in a box Australia has to offer. Here’s how it works — and why it makes so much sense. Why a Mattress in a Box Works So Well in Australia Traditional mattress shopping often means showroom visits, limited delivery windows, and bulky products that are difficult to move. A mattress in a box removes those frustrations entirely. With Sleep Republic, you order online, choose your size, and your mattress arrives compressed and boxed at your doorstep. This makes delivery easy whether you live in a house, apartment, or high-rise building. Australians love the convenience: No showrooms or sales pressure Fast delivery Australia-wide Easy transport through stairs, lifts, and hallways Simple setup with no heavy lifting Once unboxed, the mattress expands to full size and is ready to use the same day. How Does a Mattress in a Box Fit Inside a Box? A common question is how a mattress with springs and foam layers can be boxed without damage. The answer lies in advanced compression technology. Every Sleep Republic hybrid mattress is carefully compressed under controlled conditions and rolled to fit inside a compact box. This process does not affect the structure or performance of the mattress. Inside the box are all the features you expect from a premium mattress: High-definition pocket springs Gel-infused memory foam Natural latex comfort layers A breathable Tencel cover Once opened, the mattress expands and performs exactly as designed. Does Being Boxed Affect Comfort or Durability? No. A high-quality mattress in a box Australia customers can trust is engineered to recover fully after compression. Sleep Republic mattresses are tested to ensure they maintain: Proper spinal alignment Long-term support Pressure relief for joints Minimal partner disturbance Once expanded, the mattress delivers the same comfort and durability as a traditionally delivered mattress — without the inconvenience. Why Sleep Republic Is Considered One of the Best Mattress in a Box Options in Australia Not all boxed mattresses are created equal. What sets Sleep Republic apart is its hybrid design, combining the support of springs with the comfort of premium foams. Each Sleep Republic Mattress is: Designed for Australian sleepers and conditions Endorsed by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation Backed by more than 2,000 positive customer reviews Covered by a 150-night risk-free trial and a 12-year warranty This balance of support, breathability, and durability is why many reviewers rate Sleep Republic among the best mattress in a box Australia-wide. Easy Delivery, Easy Setup, Zero Stress One of the biggest benefits of choosing a mattress in a box is how easy it is to set up. The compact box can be moved into your bedroom without help, even in tight spaces. To set it up: Place the box in your bedroom Remove the packaging Unroll the mattress Allow it to expand over a few hours There’s no need for tools, professionals, or complicated instructions. What If You Change Your Mind? You don’t need to worry about fitting the mattress back into the box. Sleep Republic offers a 150-night risk-free trial, giving you plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you. If it’s not, simply contact the Sleep Republic team and we’ll arrange collection and a full refund. That’s one more reason Australians feel confident choosing Sleep Republic when searching for the best mattress in a box Australia has available. The Smarter Way to Buy a Mattress A mattress in a box isn’t a compromise — it’s a modern solution designed for real life. With easy delivery, premium materials, and generous trial terms, it’s no surprise that more Australians are switching to this smarter way to sleep. Explore the full Sleep Republic hybrid mattress range and experience how simple buying the right mattress can be. FAQs Is a mattress in a box good quality? Yes. A well-made mattress in a box uses compression technology that does not affect comfort or support once expanded. Is Sleep Republic one of the best mattress in a box brands in Australia? Sleep Republic is widely rated as one of the best mattress in a box Australia offers due to its hybrid design, chiropractor endorsement, and risk-free trial. How long does a mattress in a box take to expand? Most mattresses expand within a few hours and are ready to sleep on the same day. What happens if I want to return a mattress in a box? Sleep Republic offers a 150-night risk-free trial. If it’s not right for you, the mattress will be collected and refunded without reboxing.
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Why would you buy a mattress online?
Okay I get buying my Nespresso pods and clothing online, but a mattress, really? You need a new mattress, your current one is getting tired, maybe you’re getting a bit of back pain, there’s a huge concave pit in the middle and frankly it feels like it came out on the First Fleet. You know that buying a mattress can be a lengthy, drawn our process filled with pushy salespeople and hundreds of products that vary greatly in price but look exactly the same. Would buying a mattress online save you the time and trouble? So let’s look at the whole ‘traditional’ showroom expedition saga. Where do you start? Well, you can set aside the greater part of a weekend to navigate traffic and visit in person in some of those massive retailer outlets where they’ve got hundreds and hundreds of beds – either there’s hardly any sales assistance or its pushy – maybe they know their stuff, or maybe they don’t. Lots of Options: You sit and lie briefly on dozens of beds, and pretty soon you can’t feel any difference. You’re confused about brands and names – partly because many retailers are selling the same mattress as someone else just with cosmetic differences so you can’t compare prices – and partly because if you’ve gotten straight information your head is buzzing with details and you can’t remember which one you sat on last. (Research says most of us can only hold three or four things in our mind at once!). Cost: This is the interesting bit, how do you think they pay for these display barns and all the staff and TV ads? The answer – they don’t – you do, and even when you’ve peeled back the ‘discounts’, you’re going to be paying for a lot of expenses that have made your day/weekend so enjoyable (not!). The Quick Decision: If you’ve succumbed, found the mattress of your dreams (well at least it feels good to sit on for 2 minutes– you’ve no idea what it’s like to sleep on for the next 7 years!), you shelled out your hard earned cash, negotiated a reduced delivery fee (yes this is often extra – another reason to buy online) and you’ve noted the fine print that the guarantee doesn’t actually give you your money back if you don’t like it, you can only swap – once! You’re happy – aren’t you? What could possibly go wrong? What’s different online? Knowledge: Do your research at home, on the beach, in the pool (just don’t drop the iPad for Pete’s sake!). Ask as many questions as you like (by chat, email or 1800 number) to people who know their product. Compare prices, drill into mattress specifications, dare to find a question about the product they can’t answer (we’re yet to be stumped). Comparing products and suppliers is far easier online. Guarantee: “But I can’t try the mattress” you say! Correct, you absolutely cannot find out what it’s like to sit on for 2 minutes. Would you buy a car by just sitting in the driver’s seat or would you rather drive it for a period? Why wouldn’t you do the same with a mattress? Interestingly some scientific research has shown that that in a typical showroom experience people did not pick the mattress that delivers the best sleep experience. Let’s face it, having a guarantee that if you don’t like it you can return it and get your money back, no catches, has to be the ultimate test. Why isn’t everything sold on that basis? Oh hang on, most things are… except it seems mattresses through a retailer! Price: You’re not paying for showrooms, no teams of sales people, no expensive TV campaigns promoting incredible (and I mean unbelievable) discounts – just the product delivered to you with fewer middlemen and fewer costs. The lower price you see online has nothing to do with lower quality and everything to do with lower costs. So you’ve found the mattress that looks like you – well it doesn’t look like you but you know what we mean! Order a better sleep from the comfort of your own home. Just hit the Shop Now button, get free delivery, straight to your door.Go on, give it a go what have you got to lose?
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Why are mattresses always discounted?
Everybody loves a bargain. No matter how much an item costs, if it’s discounted by a significant margin, consumers believe it’s a great deal and that they win by taking advantage of it. The psychology behind discounts Having a sale works by tapping into “discounts psychology”. It’s why consumers come out in droves to shop during traditional sales periods, and why a sale at any time is perceived as something not to be missed. For the retailer, it helps clear stock and maximise profits. Consumers need to be able to see the original price as well as they price they will pay, and the savings will seem so appealing that they are compelled to take advantage of the deal. According to ACCC guidelines, pricing must be clearly displayed – so it’s the law to show both original price and the new, discounted price. But many savvy consumers might ask, is a 50 per cent discount real when it’s sustained over a long period of time? No. This is misleading advertising and vendors must keep records substantiating that prices displayed are actually discounted and not a new selling price. Not all, however, comply with this. Mattress “discounts” Mattresses are among those items that always seem to be on sale. Why is this? And is it legitimate? They are big-ticket items and most people only purchase a new mattress for themselves a few times in their lives. While mattresses should be replaced at least every decade (some experts suggest every seven years), most people wait much longer to invest in a new one. This can compromise their sleep quality and their health. By having a “sale”, mattress retailers offer incentives for shoppers to purchase and to do so more often. Yes, mattresses can be very expensive. The reasons for this are myriad, but one of the biggest reasons mattresses are so expensive is that they carry historically high traditional retailer margins. What this means is that traditional retailer mark-ups on mattresses are significant – if there is 50 per cent off a mattress, it’s quite likely that the retailer had placed a 100 per cent mark-up on the product. Some retailers even mark-up prices by 200 per cent! The real recommended price of the actual product is much closer to the sale price stated. This mark-up includes the store profit margin and the sales commission and will often be brand dependant. It’s also important to understand that big name brands don’t necessarily equate to a better product. With mattresses it is also difficult to begin to compare prices because retailers frequently change the model names of the mattress even though the specification might be the same, making a price comparison almost impossible. Buying mattresses online Modern shoppers can benefit enormously from shopping for mattresses online. While some consumers might feel this is a risky endeavour, it’s not. It is true that you can’t “try before you buy”, but in fact it is simply not possible from a few moments in store to get a true impression of what a mattress is like to sleep on night after night. The best online mattress retailers will offer a returns policy to trial the new mattress for a period of up to 100 days and an online seller who doesn’t stand behind their returns policy is easily exposed through online forums and reviews. Statistics demonstrate that buyer satisfaction is as high as for a mattress tried in-store. The costs are minimised when you purchase online, as there are no retail premises to maintain, no expensive and often ineffective sales resources, and mattresses are sold directly from the wholesaler – there is no middle-man taking a chunk of the profits. As mattress designers, manufacturers and retailers ourselves, we know our online product made by our manufacturer to our specification, vetted and inspected by us is of better quality, demonstrating better durability and long term comfort than products many times more expensive bought in store. Additionally, online shoppers tend to be more informed about their needs as they have researched products prior to shopping. Shopping online for your mattress: Is convenient Is cost effective Pricing is transparent Products are of premium quality You escape the aggressive sales tactics of retailers in store Return policies are often better Explore our website to discover how Sleep Republic can introduce you to your perfect new mattress, no marketing hype, no pressure sales tactics, no fake discounts, no ‘sponsoring’ of the Lesser Spotted Warblegang, just a great mattress designed and made by people who care sold at a fair price. What are you waiting for?
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Back Pain? What a Pain! Here Are Some Scientifically Backed Solutions
We dig deep to find the best type of mattress to help relieve back pain, according to science There are many causes of back pain and it is important for serious or chronic back pain that you see a qualified medical professional for treatment or advice. This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Suffer from back pain? You are not alone! According to the Medical Journal of Australia (2009) up to 80% of Australians will suffer some form of back pain and 10% suffer a serious disability as a result of it. The term ‘back pain’ covers a huge spectrum of disorders, from very serious spinal degenerative conditions, to nerve issues, to the vague ache of your back letting you know that the mattress might be getting a bit long in the tooth (maybe like oneself!). It is a very complicated and personal thing with pain levels ranging from slight to excruciating. There is no single solution for back pain, be it medical treatment or mattress, but we are experts in knowing how to sleep well. So we set out to find what type of mattress would be most likely to alleviate typical non-serious lower back pain that many Australians experience. Is a hard mattress the solution? Traditionally the espoused remedy from orthopedic surgeons and others has been a ‘hard’ mattress. Well, there’s only one problem with that. For most of us, a hard sleep surface is a contradiction in terms of our ability to sleep, regardless of how much good it might be doing elsewhere. Even if it’s helping alleviate back pain, if the hard surface is uncomfortable, you won’t be sleeping anyways! We are by nature creatures of comfort, regardless of what’s ‘best’ for us. We all know our personal choice of comfort foods aren’t strictly following doctors orders! So do we really have to take to the ‘plank’ so to speak and sleep on a girder to help that lower back pain? Medium firm vs. hard. Well there’s good news, some research around from properly designed medical tests shows that medium-firm mattresses rather than firm mattresses improved back pain symptoms. Phew that’s lucky, no concrete slab required after all! One such test concludes that medium firm mattresses improved pain and disability outcomes among people with chronic non-specific lower back pain. How about just getting a new mattress? Research also shows that in addition to a medium firm mattress, the next best thing you can do is to buy a new mattress! The issue here is that for many of us its decades between mattress purchases and quite simply the current mattress isn’t doing the job it once did or should do. Some research shows the average age of mattresses is 9.5 years! Hang on, just think about that – to get an average of 9.5 means for every 1-year-old mattress there’s an 18 year old one, and on average we’ve spent 38 cumulative months on the one mattress! The same research showed that just replacing the old mattress increased sleep quality and reduced back discomfort. The study in question replaced the subject’s current mattress with a medium firm spring mattress. According to scientific research, getting a new mattress, even if your current one is a medium firm feel, is likely to improve back pain and discomfort outcome. What are you waiting for? So there you have it, a lot of things may cause back pain, but non specific lower back pain in particular can be improved by buying a new medium firm mattress…which begs the question: what are you waiting for?
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Does the Mattress You Buy Really Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep? And How do You Choose It?
Yes, your mattress really does affect how well you sleep. Take a look the 2011 study published by Research Triangle International. The study tested several interesting hypotheses, and the findings were very revealing… Over a period of 4 years, 128 healthy people (no sleep problems to note) tested 7 mattresses of varying firmness from the same manufacturer and were asked to sleep on each mattress for up to 1 month, with each participant testing all mattresses over the course of the study. The participants were monitored each night for movement (an indicator of sleep quality) and also asked to write in a diary each day and note their own level of sleep quality and daytime functioning. The main hypotheses tested whether the firmness of a mattress affected sleep quality and daytime function. Another extremely interesting hypothesis was tested that asked the question of whether: “…individuals would be able to rely on conventional shopping procedures to select one mattress from among several under showroom circumstances that would lead to optimal rest.” Results in Summary Self-reported sleep quality, restedness, and daytime energy was significantly improved on the bed with the least overnight motion Self-reported number of nighttime awakenings and minutes awake overnight were significantly reduced on the best motion bed Well-restedness and daytime energy were both significantly improved in the best sleep quality Morning pain severity and daytime sleepiness were both significantly reduced in the best sleep quality bed So, yes, your mattress really does affect your sleep quality and daytime function. We’re sure this isn’t new or shocking news to you, but is it something you really give the attention to that it deserves? We’ll say it again and try not to sound too grandiose: your mattress affects both your sleeping time and your awake time. Well, what other time is there? A mattress is an integral part of our lives! But, we hear you ask, which is the best mattress? “Individuals differ as to the degree of mattress firmness that is associated with their best sleep” But… “Very low and very high levels of firmness tended to be associated with relatively worse sleep, greater morning pain, and poorer daytime function.” The above statement has rung true with us throughout our 10+ years of designing and manufacturing mattresses. What people think they want, and what they actually want, are often a long way apart. People might think that they want an ultra-firm mattress, or a mattress so soft it absorbs you like a sponge, but more often than not, what they really want a mattress that sits somewhere in the medium range of firmness. And it’s only after spending a few months sleeping on their new plank of wood/cloud imposter that this conclusions starts to rear up. And to quote the result of that very interesting question about whether people can select the best mattress from a typical showroom visit: “Results indicate that standard showroom testing does not lead individuals to select the bed that will provide their best sleep as measured by either self-reported sleep quality or actigraphic measurement over an extended period of time” And… “People are essentially left to chance when trying to select a mattress using the generally recommended “test drive” on the showroom floor” Want to Make the Best Decision? Sleep on It! Basically, creating the perfect mattress is a science; a science that some of us dedicate our lives and careers to, and for buyers to have to rely on 10-15 minutes in a showroom to select a mattress from a huge range of options–something that they will use for 8 hours per day and will affect every minute of their daily lives–just doesn’t cut it. An extended period of testing is essential. 150 night free trial anyone? Hopefully, we’ve cleared a few things up about selecting the right mattress. Gone are the days of trawling round showrooms and allowing yourself just a few minutes to make what is, with no exaggeration, a life-choice.
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8 Sleep Hacks from an Architect of Sleep
Sound slumber results in increased energy and productivity, improved health, a better mood, even a longer life. Not to mention the difference in how you feel after a satisfying 8 hours of quality rest. So how do we get to this magical land of rest and REM? Do these 8 things, and I can confidently say your counted sheep will soon be out of a job. INVEST IN A GOOD MATTRESS- In order to enjoy the best mattress for back pain and restful sleep, make sure you have a great mattress that’s the right mix of comfort and support. The top layer of the mattress must be comfortable as this will help you get to sleep initially and the core layer must be supportive to maintain a good level posture throughout the night. If you sleep with a partner it’s crucial to have a mattress that provides no partner disturbance as many people are sleepers and any movement by the person next to them will wake them up. Look for a mattress that is temperature neutral as the human body releases a lot of heat at night, which can become an issue if body heat is transferred to the mattress and builds up over the course of the night. KEEP IT COOL- Make your bedroom into a cave – think ‘cool, quiet and dark’. Temperature is a key factor in getting a good night’s sleep, and studies have found the optimal temperature of a bedroom to be between 18 to 23 degrees. NO DEVICES- Limit or remove technology in the bedroom, especially devices that have a bright screen. TV screens and ‘Blue-Light Emitting’ screens found on smart phones, tablets or laptops are proven to be melatonin depleting. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the brain that tells the body it’s night and time for bed. By depleting this, the brain starts sending the wrong messages to the body, which can cause trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep during the night. READ- Read a book (yes an actual book) before bed. Reading is one of the best and most simple ways to relax and clock off from the world. It allows your mind to separate from hustle and bustle of daily life and can help reduce stress and anxiety. EXERCISE- Maintaining a good exercise regime is crucial to a happy and health life, but try to finish at least 3 hours before bed, this will give your body the chance to cool down. Body temperatures rise during exercise and after strenuous exercise can take as long as 6 hours to begin to drop. Because cooler body temperatures are associated with sleep onset, it’s important to allow the body time to cool off before sleep. KEEP A ROUTINE- Try to stick to the same bed time routine as much as possible. I know we all live very busy lives, but aim to complete the same routine and get to bed at the same time at least five nights times a week. By doing this you will help your body clock set to when you want it to go to bed, and you will find getting to sleep much easier. It will also allow you to better manage getting the correct number of hours of sleep, which is between 6 to 8 hours a night. NO BOOZE- Don’t drink Alcohol before bed. You may fall asleep faster after having a few drinks but as the alcohol in your system starts to wear off, you will wake up because your body becomes dehydrated. Alcohol is also a diuretic so it will make you get up and go to the bathroom during the night which disrupts your overall sleep. LINENS AND THINGS- Use sheets and quilts that are made from natural materials. Natural materials are better for you and more breathable then synthetic materials. EAT WELL- Dont eat fatty, high carb or sugary food before bed. These foods can be delicious but are not good for you especially if eating them before bed when your body has not had the chance to work them off. These foods will cause your body to work in overdrive to try to digest them, spiking your blood sugar levels and disrupting your sleep. They will also make you sluggish when you wake up.
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Why You Should Never, Ever Engage in Unprotected Sleep
We’re here today to teach you about using protection…mattress protection that is. “What exactly is a mattress protector?” you may ask. “What’s it used for? Is it protecting me, or the mattress… or me from the mattress?” Let’s start with a fact: Humans are made up of about 60% water. What does that mean for your poor, unsuspecting mattress? Well, that means that every night there’s going to be bit of leakage – mostly sweat, but let’s not forget about our old friends drool and urine (we’re looking at you, children!). Either way, your mattress is in the splash zone 100% of the time that you’re on it. Add our little leakage problem to the amount of dried skin cells that we slough nonstop… it’s enough to keep you up at night. A good quality mattress lasts over ten years, which means that after awhile, you could have a jungle in there! Washing sheets regularly will assist with keeping your slumber palace clean, but it simply isn’t good enough. All sheets are porous to a greater or lesser degree and they let “stuff” get through. Fear not friends, there is a better way! Adding a mattress protector to the mix will help you create a healthy sleep environment while keeping your mattress nice and tidy. A good quality protector fits the mattress like a glove and provides a clean, fresh under-base for your sheets. Keep in mind that protectors should be washed regularly. Look out for these key features when trying to find a good mattress protector: Bacteria resistant Anti allergenic Moisture wicking INSIDER INFORMATION Some manufacturers offer mattress tops that can be unzipped for cleaning. While this may sound convenient, the practicality of cleaning a quilted top that may contain foam, latex and/or Gel is questionable. The degradation that happens to these materials in the cleaning process is not recommended! So we say, give your mattress some space and always get a separate mattress protector. In addition to using mattress protectors, we recommend regular airing of the mattress and vacuuming it to remove dust and debris. Your mattress is your closest friend; look after it for a long, happy and sanitary relationship!
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Making a Good Impression – No Sag Intended
Sag and body impression – what’s what and and what’s acceptable? BODY IMPRESSION. If you’ve had your mattress for awhile you may notice some ‘dipping’ or body impression in the surface, usually there will be one or two distinct areas (or maybe even three if there’s a big spoilt dog around!). Unless a mattress is very hard and unyielding in the top comfort layer, it will show some body impression and this is not a defect. Most mattresses, regardless of fancy marketing terms used, have comfort layers containing one or more of three types of foam; Polyurethane, Visco (also known as memory foam) and Latex. With their different densities and responses, these foams are there specifically to accommodate and adjust to your body. Under regular compression they settle and compress to conform to weight and shape, and because we tend to sleep in the same area, this forms a distinct body-like outline. Some degree of body conformity or dipping makes a mattress more comfortable, not dissimilar to shoes where they become favourites once they have accommodated the shape of your foot. In a well-constructed mattress, the depth of this body impression (when no one is on the mattress) would not exceed 3.5 cm, any more than this and your mattress needs replacing. The key to look for in any warranty is what level of body impression does the manufacturer regard as acceptable. Body impression can look worse than it is in larger mattresses like a King size, because often there is a distinct middle ‘hill’ strip that does little load bearing work! How do you measure body impression? The easiest way is using a pole, broomstick or curtain rod for larger mattresses. Lay it across the bed around the hip area and then measure the gap from the bottom of the pole to the surface of the mattress underneath. Note that if there is any memory foam in the top layer you must leave the mattress without any weight for some time to let the foam recover before measuring. Rotating the mattress monthly will help especially if there is a large weight difference between the occupants. Alternatively you can swap sides (good luck with that)! Or you could get a very heavy pet. SAG. Although all mattresses will show some degree of body impression, no mattress should sag. Sag is where the core of the mattress has given way and the whole top surface is effectively concave. How can you tell if your mattress is sagging? Well, if your back hasn’t already told you, and if you’re constantly fighting to climb out of the middle of the bed at night, there will be a washing line like ‘droop’ starting right at the edges and at its worst in the middle. Sag is usually caused by poor quality springs, foam or mattress construction, however sometimes the mattress base may be the cause. Always check that any base slats are still intact and the central support under the base is still in place. A mattress resting on a sagging base will also show sag through no fault of its own. Never leave mattress sag unresolved; poor sleep and back issues will usually follow!
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