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Pain 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?
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How the Correct Pillow Height Can Help You Sleep Better
The neck and spine are among the most sensitive parts of the human body. This is because they have a significant concentration of nerve endings and act as a support structure for most of your body weight. Something as small as an ill-positioned pillow could have a long-term negative impact on your body. Choosing the perfect pillow is a subjective decision as people like different heights and firmness, largely dependant on their preferred sleeping position. The relationship between your body and your pillow Pillows are supposed to support the head in such a way that the entire spinal cord rests in a comfortable, neutral position when you sleep. If there’s too much pressure on a specific spinal disc or nerve, you stand a higher risk of developing a painful neck or back problem. The secret to countering this is even distribution of body weight which can be achieved through simple adjustments here and there. How the correct pillow height can help you sleep We all have different preferences when it comes to sleeping positions. Some people sleep on their backs or stomachs, while others sleep on their sides. Each position demands different types of support from a pillow. That’s exactly why we offer two height options in our Sleep Republic pillow- 10cm “low profile” for a lower head and neck position that front and back sleepers may prefer, or 14cm “high profile” for a higher head position that side sleepers may prefer. Here are the benefits of using the correct height pillows for every kind of sleeper: Back Sleeper Your neck will tilt up or down in this sleeping position, so you should choose the high profile pillow to ensure the perfect height for spine alignment. Stomach Sleeper This position can strain your back and neck as your head is in an opposite position to your body. Choose the low profile pillow to decrease compression in the spine. Side Sleeper Your shoulder creates a gap between your head and the bed, so add some extra support for comfy sleep with the high profile pillow. With an two different pillow height options from Sleep Republic, you can find the perfect position for peaceful sleep. Shop online and discover why you’ll never go back to a regular pillow!
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7 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!
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The 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.
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The 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.
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Moving 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.
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What 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.
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Not 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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Why Spring Wins vs. Foam: Searching for the Perfect Mattress
Foam or pocket spring? Does it really matter? Yep, it does. It matters a lot, actually. Several studies have shown that your mattress material affects the quality of your sleep, and there’s good reason why we produce spring mattresses instead of foam core mattresses. 1. Support If there is one thing that you want (nay, need) your mattress to be, it’s supportive of your whole body and all the pressure variations that lying down exerts on your mattress of choice. Pocket Spring Mattress Pocket Spring mattresses are specifically designed to ease the human body to relaxation and relieve pressure points by varying the distribution of weight throughout the entire surface through differential zoning i.e. zones of different spring resistance. When you lie down on your mattress, the spring coils inside will compress and provide a comfortable level of resistance to each pressure point. The head, lower back/hips, calves/feet are supported through higher resistance springs while pressure relief is provided for the shoulders/upper back and knees/calves with lower resistance springs Our body goes through different stages of sleep and all of our muscles relax, including the skeletal muscles that we rely on for posture and stability. The good thing about this is that it keeps us from acting out our dreams and possibly hurting ourselves. The bad thing is that it leaves our back and spinal column with no support, making them vulnerable to pain and discomfort. Even during sleep, gravity is exerting its pressure on our bodies, and we need an adequate system to ensure our joints and bones are well supported during this period of complete immobilisation. With a good pocket spring mattress, you get just this. In addition, pocket springs, are great shock absorbers. This allows you to feel little to no movement when your partner tosses and turns in their sleep or leaves the bed. Foam Core Mattress Do we really need to go into detail? If you’ve ever sat on soft foam you know what can happen. You sink, the edges curl up around you and you end up completely immersed and cocooned and smothered. Foam mattresses don’t accommodate the varying degrees of pressure that a human body exerts on a mattress in the same way that pocket spring zones do. Many users of foam mattresses also complain that the edges of a foam mattress are inadequate for sleeping or even sitting on. Without the edge support that pocket springs can offer, venturing to the edge on foam can be a hazard, and let’s face it, we use our bed for a lot more ‘activities’ than just sleeping… “Like trying to do it in quicksand”, apparently. 2. Durability Pocket Spring Mattress A good pocket spring mattress will last you 10 years or more. This durability is mainly because of the high-grade tempered (that means heat treated) steel coils that serve as the core support system, and since they are (hopefully) made of excellent quality steel, they will last you a long time, especially with proper care. Foam Core Mattress Good quality higher density foams are expensive and unless you are willing to shell out many thousands of dollars the chances are that the foam mattress you buy is a relatively thin veneer of these foams on top of a larger slab of lower quality filler foam – regardless of the fancy marketing terminology that’s used. So why do mattresses sag? The durability of this type of core is questionable and that’s where excessive body impression and sag start to appear. Mattresses are sizeable investments, so knowing that the one you buy will stay in excellent shape for many years will give you peace of mind that you’ve invested your money well. 3. Sleeping Positions Pocket Spring Mattress Because pocket spring mattresses offer such great support from all angles (the more springs, the better), they are ideal for pretty much every sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your side, on your stomach, or on your back, a good spring mattress will support your whole body. The springs in the mattress distribute weight evenly throughout the surface of the bed, so you feel less pressure in certain areas. The springs also ensure that the mattress holds its shape well, even if you tend to sleep in one particular place or position more often. Foam Core Mattress Foam mattresses (if you can actually afford one that doesn’t just shrivel up at the very mention of ‘pressure’) vary in their ability to return to normal when a sleeper turns over or changes position. This can make for uncomfortable transitioning and restriction of natural movement. Basically with a foam mattress, you pick your position and stick to it. And we do mean ‘stick’… 4. Temperature Temperature plays a vital role in sleep. The human body has been conditioned to recognise that a drop in temperature signals the end of the day and it’s time for bed. It’s why we all have trouble sleeping on hot and humid nights, and also why we feel so sleepy after climbing out of a hot bath and into a nice cool bedroom. Pocket Spring Pocket Spring mattresses offer superior ventilation as they have a more open structure than their foam counterparts. This design prevents heat retention and allows air to circulate more freely, creating a more breathable mattress core. With a pocket spring mattress, you won’t have to worry about sweating through the night or tossing and turning because of a rising body temperature. Its breathable design will help you enjoy a cooler, more comfortable, and undisturbed sleep. Foam Core Mattress Foam mattresses, on the other hand, do not allow for circulation of air. Thick layers of foam acts as an impenetrable barrier next your skin and cause all your heat and sweat to remain right there next to your body. Many owners of foam mattresses complain about this, and we’re not surprised. We all look for the cold side of the pillow, don’t we? Not usually a problem, we just turn the pillow. Imagine wishing there was a cold side of your foam mattress. Consider this scenario carefully: It’s the peak of the Aussie summer… we rest our case. 5. Smell Read the reviews and you’ll see that users of foam mattresses often complain about a chemical smell emitting from their mattress. The one constant in all of this is that polyurethane foam is a synthetic and contains chemicals. They’re not all bad but there is a cocktail in them including things called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It’s these VOCs that are responsible for much of the ‘science lab’ smell that comes from mattresses. High quality foams, will be made with strict controls over the chemicals that are in them. If they are CertiPUR-US certified (like Sleep Republic’s Gel Infused Memory foam) they will also be certified low in VOCs. Now don’t get us wrong, we use some foam too but it is a fact that more foam, such as a foam core mattresses, will have more chemicals and more VOCs than a pocket spring with only a comfort layer of foam in the pillow top. Want to minimize the science lab and VOC’s? Choose pocket springs. The Sleep Republic Difference We chose to produce a spring mattress over foam for very good reasons. We’ve been in the business for decades, and the decision was a very conscious one. We don’t ask you to just take our word for how great the mattress is, we offer you a 150 Night Free Trial. If you’re not happy with it, we’ll come and pick it up, no worries. But we’re quite sure you’ll love it more than any other mattress you’ve ever owned. Have a question about what mattress type best suits you? We’re here to help! Call us on 1800 270 871, email us on info@sleeprepublic.com.au, chat with us online or see our FAQs.
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Out With The Old ? The 5 Signs You Need A New Mattress
A good mattress is like a good partner — supportive, reliable, and there when you need it most. But even the best mattress doesn’t last forever. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on comfort and support, leaving you tossing, turning, and waking up sore. So, how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your old mattress? Here are the five key signs that it’s time to upgrade to a new one. 1. You Wake Up More Tired Than Before Sleep should leave you feeling refreshed — not more exhausted. If you’re waking up tired or restless, your mattress might be the culprit. An ageing or sagging mattress can cause your body to shift positions all night in search of comfort, disrupting your natural sleep cycle. If your nights are filled with tossing and turning (and your days with yawns), it’s a clear sign that your mattress is no longer doing its job. 2. You’re Stiff and Sore in the Morning Waking up with back, neck, or shoulder pain is one of the most common signs that your mattress has lost its support. Over time, the materials inside can break down, creating uneven pressure and misalignment. If your pain fades as the day goes on, your mattress is likely the cause. Upgrading to a hybrid mattress with gel-infused memory foam and natural latex can make a noticeable difference by improving spinal alignment and pressure relief. 3. You’re Choosing to Sleep Somewhere Else If you find yourself dozing off on the couch instead of your bed, it may be your body’s way of telling you that your mattress is no longer comfortable. A worn-out bed can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, and over time, that discomfort can impact your overall health and mood. Switching to a supportive, breathable Sleep Republic Mattress can help you reclaim your sleep — and your bedroom. 4. You’re Waking Up With Allergy Symptoms Old mattresses collect dust mites, skin flakes, and moisture, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. If you’re waking up with a runny nose, itchy eyes, or congestion, your mattress may be harbouring allergens. A mattress made with hypoallergenic foams, like memory foam or gel-infused foam, helps resist dust mites. You can also protect your investment with a mattress protector to keep it fresh and hygienic for years. 5. Your Mattress Has a Noticeable Dip If you can see or feel a deep dip where you usually sleep, your mattress has likely lost its structure. A sagging mattress no longer provides even support, leading to poor posture and disrupted rest. Visible sagging or uneven spots are clear signs it’s time to upgrade. A Sleep Republic hybrid mattress is designed to maintain its shape and support — night after night. Upgrade to Better Sleep If you’ve recognised any of these signs, it’s time to invest in your rest. With 150 nights to try, free delivery Australia-wide, and a 12-year warranty, Sleep Republic makes upgrading easy and risk-free. Discover why thousands of Australians love their award-winning hybrid mattress — and experience the difference that proper support and comfort can make. FAQs How often should I replace my mattress?Most mattresses should be replaced every 7–10 years, or sooner if you notice sagging, discomfort, or poor sleep quality. What causes a mattress to lose support?Over time, foam and springs can compress or wear out, leading to dips and reduced spinal alignment. What type of mattress lasts the longest?Hybrid mattresses with quality foams, pocket springs, and breathable materials — like those from Sleep Republic — offer long-lasting comfort and durability.
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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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