Bedroom Decor Tips | Bedroom Decorating Ideas » Mattress Pads

Electric Mattress Pad King

Conrad Murphy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:27:04 +0000

So you’ve decided on purchasing an electric mattress pad but you still have a little doubt whether an electric blanket might be a better choice. You might even be wondering if these items are actually safe.

If you’ve done a bit of online research chances are that you’ve come across the general recommendation of never getting an electric mattress pad or blanket that is more than 10 years old and to also change your existing electrical bedding once it hits that 10 year mark. Stick to this recommendation and also see to it that there is a UL964 safety label on the item. Adhering to these two very important points will pretty much guarantee that you will only have a very small chance of anything ever going wrong with your electric heated mattress pad or blanket.

Needless to say that every manufacturer has its own wiring system to produce an electric blanket or mattress, so you should definitely read the safety instructions that came with your new electrical bedding. There has been debate over the effects the electro magnetic field or EMF caused by most electrical devices, including electric mattress pads and blankets, has on the body. Although government studies have shown no harmful side effects due to EMF, you can find electric mattress pads or blankets that run on 16 Volts instead of the standard 110 or 120 Volts if that is a concern to you.

Supposing, just as an extreme example, you are into animal print bedding then an electric mattress pad might be the preferred choice as you can choose whatever design of bed sheet, pillowcase or comforter set you put on top of it. Choices are not that easy if you get an electric blanket. You also won’t have to worry about the size such as finding an electric mattress pad king or queen size as many electric mattress pads fit all mattress sizes.

In a nutshell, an electric mattress pad has quite a few advantages over a heated blanket, just make sure to follow the safety advice mentioned in this article.

Memory Foam Mattress Pads Review

Conrad Murphy — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:28:02 +0000

When it comes to buying things for your home or bedroom, most people will happily traipse around stores for hours because they want to feel and touch the products. They don’t consider the fact that they could get a much better deal on the Internet. So when it comes to buying a new memory foam mattress pad, what do you do and where do you look? Well we thought we would write this article to help you find exactly where to find the best mattress pads so that you can get good value for money as well as a quality time.

So before we go into finding the best place to buy a memory foam mattress pad, we first have to find out which mattress pad you want. Memory foam is a really good way to make sure that you are supported through the night and you can even buy iso cool memory foam pads. These pads will not only mold to your body as you sleep but they will keep you cool with new technology that keeps the fabric inside your pad cool throughout the night. This saves a lot of money on air conditioning and means that you won’t be woken up each night by having to kick your covers off. If you aren’t sure which mattress pad to get then you will need to do a little bit of research. The best way to research this is to look for memory foam mattress pads review that will give you an insight into which brand names are best and which will suit you. You will also be able to find this information by reading some home product reports. To find these reviews and reports, you should look online and look for specific review sites that will have reviews on all products.

So onto where to find the right pad. Well for us it has to be online. Online prices are so much cheaper than high street stores because they don’t have as much to pay out for such as rental on stores and lots of staff wages. Buying online means that you can click from shop to shop without having to even move from your seat and this can be done in seconds rather than hours. When you find the best deal, you can then have it delivered straight to your house so you can start using it within a week. Remember that it is important to get a guarantee with your product and if possible a warranty with it too. This will mean that should anything ever go wrong, you will be able to send it back for full refund. Check out the prices online now so that you can get good value for money.

Have Trouble Sleeping? A Memory Foam Topper Can Help

Conrad Murphy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:04:01 +0000

In our industrialized world, many people who work in the office do not sleep well. They face too much stress at work, and this bleeds over into their private lives. The need to show more productivity at work also causes them to lose the personal time they need for a balanced life. They do not have enough chances to exercise and de-stress themselves, both of which are important towards getting a good night’s sleep.

In theory, all we need to ensure a pleasant sleep is to get enough sunlight and exercise in the day and to relax at night. In practice … I don’t need to tell you how difficult that is, do I? So what is the alternative? Buy a memory foam mattress pad. Actually, any comfortable bed will do. The bed or mattress must support your spine while absorbing all the force caused by gravity on your body. The best at doing this are water beds, air beds and memory foam mattresses.

Unfortunately, these are all expensive (at least the good ones are). Hence the alternative of the cheaper and more affordable memory foam toppers. Toppers are actually just thinner mattresses. All you need to do is lay your memory foam topper on top of your regular mattress and then sleep on it.

Once you lie down on a memory foam mattress pad, you will find your body relaxing as the strain caused by your muscles fighting gravity is absorbed. This is, after all, why NASA invented this material in the first place – to absorb the tremendous G-forces when a pilot ejects from a fighter jet. After all, they couldn’t very well install a water bed inside a jet plane, could they?

Memory foam topper pads come in different thicknesses, ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches (sometimes more). The thicker ones are better, but more expensive. You’ll have to balance your comfort against the cost. Just keep in mind that a sufficiently thick topper is no different from a mattress regardless of what the salesman says.

While memory foam toppers will not replace exercise or sunlight, it can help you to rapidly relax all the way into sleep. Just be careful that what you are getting is real memory foam and not just regular foam mattress pad. The Tempur and Serta brands are known to use real memory foam. Other brands are less reliable. Definitely avoid the “made in China” brands – the technology to make this material is very complicated and quite touchy – well beyond the ability of the cheap Chinese factories.

Memory Foam Toppers Can Boost Your Health and Comfort

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:40:07 +0000

Memory foam toppers are usually 2-4 inches in thickness and are easily rested upon an existing mattress. The foam adjusts to evenly distribute body weight by allowing the body to sink in and then it gently conforms to the shape. The human body can’t run properly without a good night’s sleep. Sleeping well for at least 6 to 7 solid hours not only rests the body but also the mind. Unfortunately, many tired individuals just can’t get the peaceful, uninterrupted sleep they crave because their uncomfortable mattress is just not allowing it.

Memory foam toppers give the opportunity to get the good night’s sleep everyone deserves without having to bear the expense of replacing an entire mattress. Originally created for NASA, the foam is a space-age product that is antimicrobial and is resistant to dust mites. It’s body hugging benefits far outweigh the nominal cost and will pay for themselves after the firsts night spent cradled in the memory foam topper’s soft, supportive embrace.

Along with dust mite resistance and a good night’s sleep, here are some of the other health benefits of memory foam mattress pads:

Support of the neck and head. This support can decrease and relieve migraines and headaches because it eases the tension from the pressure on the neck muscles and jaw.

The kind of back support that only foam mattresses or foam mattress toppers can give. This back support helps to prevent aching back and neck as it molds to the body and hugs it’s curves so that it keeps a constant state of support. Having the best support helps to relieve arthritis symptoms and joint pain.

The memory foam topper cradles the body and helps to prevent tossing, turning and ultimately disturbed sleep. Less tossing and turning means less chance of waking up in the night.

Memory foam toppers also protect the mattress underneath, thus giving it a much longer lifespan.

Memory foam toppers are available in every size to fit beds from twin to king and are reasonably priced anywhere from $75 to the low $110’s depending on the quality, brand and size of the memory foam toppers. There are many online retailers with excellent pricing on the toppers that also offer low or no shipping costs. The budget friendly cost of memory foam toppers makes them excellent, thoughtful, long appreciated gifts for loved ones as well as great additions to one’s own bed.

Traditional Japanese Futon Bed

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:01:42 +0000

From its early adoption into our Western culture, the traditional Japanese futon mattress has been a big hit. There were times when the futon was more of a fad than anything else. We had a time when home design and decorating were following an Asian-inspired theme. Some people have still held on to this design element and have taken their modern home designs in this direction even further, embracing the philosophies of Feng Shui and the like. This concept reflects the fact that there is an energy in all spaces, chi or qi, and that this energy must flow properly in order for your home to be balanced and harmonious. If there is a blockage of the chi, then it will reflect itself in various ways inside your home.

A futon bed is only part of this larger philosophy. You see, there was a time when the futon could be used to distinguish class and the ruling parties. The traditional Japanese platform bed consists of two parts: the kake and shiki futon. Each of these works to create one whole sleeping system. The shiki futon is the mattress portion of the bed and the kake portion is the upper, often quilted portion. In the past, the ruling class would be the only ones with the plush kake futons. The lower classes could only sleep on the kake and would do so on the floor, often without mats. The tatami mat was another class distinction feature. Well, those class distinctions have been abolished, but there is still a history of this great sleeping option.

In our culture, the futon mattress is not treated in this same way. We see it as a much more functional form of extra seating or as a convertible sofa couch type of item. We have these larger and thicker mattresses with wooden or metal frames. The frames often have armrests or other storage features. These are definitely a far cry from the traditional styles of futons used in the East. We have adopted an ancient sleeping system and made it our own.

Boost Your Comfort with a Latex Mattress Topper

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:08:13 +0000

The tendency for mattresses to quickly lose much of their original comfort and cushiness is a commonly cited complaint, yet many people believe that they must either live with the discomfort or shell out large amounts of money every few years for a new mattress. Mattresses can deteriorate rapidly, particularly when they aren’t properly maintained. A mattress that hasn’t been regularly rotated is prone to dips and sags, both of which can reveal the springs and coils beneath. Regardless of the reasons behind the deterioration of your mattress, it’s important to know that you don’t have to sleep another night in discomfort. There is a simple and relatively inexpensive solution that can dramatically increase the comfort of your mattress, and it’s called a latex mattress topper.

A mattress topper is nothing more than an added layer of cushion that is fitted directly over the top of your existing mattress. There is essentially no difference between the function of a mattress pad and mattress topper, so don’t let the terminology become confusing. Both are designed to increase the existing comfort level of the mattress and each costs considerably less than the mattress itself. A latex mattress topper is simply a mattress topper that is composed of latex, which is a highly dense material renowned for its unique supportive qualities. Like a memory foam topper, a latex topper combines comfort and support like no other material on the market. It is known for its ability to relieve pressure by distributing it from the area of contact to other areas or “cells” within the material itself.

The price for latex mattress toppers varies based on the thickness, overall size and how the topper was constructed, either naturally or synthetically. A natural latex mattress topper will cost considerably more than a synthetic latex foam mattress topper, though user reviews don’t suggest that one is more comfortable than the other. Still, for many people, the allure of purchasing a natural “green” product is enough to warrant the added price. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, which is a plus for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. The average price for a quality latex mattress topper is around $200 for a full sized version, though it’s best to do some research before buying. It’s also important to choose a latex topper with a density rating of no less than 3 pounds per cubic foot, since this will provide the best combination of comfort and support.

A latex mattress topper is a great way to revive an uncomfortable mattress, but it’s not a sure fix for every mattress. If your mattress is severally dipping or has large lumps it’s probably better to consider a complete mattress upgrade rather than a mattress topper.

Protect Your Investment with a Waterproof Mattress Pad

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:45:51 +0000

Buying a new mattress can be one of the most significant financial considerations of your lifetime and also one of the most important in terms of the affect it can have on your ability to achieve a good night of sleep. Considering that a new mattress will likely cost you between $1,500 and $3,000, it’s critical that you have a means to protect it from damage. The most common type of damage occurs when mattresses become soiled or stained due to liquids – bodily or otherwise. While it may seem like a gross topic to discuss, a soiled mattress can emit odors in the short term and even void the manufacturer’s warranty in the long term. Fortunately, there is an inexpensive solution for preventing spilled liquids from damaging your mattress by purchasing a waterproof mattress pad.

Before taking your new mattress home it’s important to be sure that you’ve purchased a waterproof matress cover. Though it may seem like an unlikely occurrence, water damage is probably the most common form of damage when it comes to your mattress, particularly if you have small children or pets. If you use a crib for your child then consider purchasing a waterproof crib mattress. If you tend to watch television from bed and you happed to bring along something to eat or drink, your risk for damage is high. When it comes to selecting waterproof mattress pads there really isn’t a lot that needs to be done in terms of research or price negotiation. Most pads typically cost between $30-40, which is almost nothing when you take the mattress cost into consideration. Any store that specializes in mattresses will have some type of waterproof pad, so your only job is to ensure that the one you purchase fits your mattress snugly.

There are some different styles of waterproof mattress pads that should be mentioned, since you will likely run into these options at your favorite retailer. Perhaps the most popular option is a waterproof mattress pad that offers additional padding for comfort while also protecting against leaks. The most popular on Amazon is the Simmons Beautyrest cotton blend waterproof with laminate mattress pad. This pad offers additional padding and also an expandable skirt to accommodate mattresses from 4 to 15 inches thick. Users of this mattress pad comment positively on the feel of the mattress pad; they like that it doesn’t feel or sound like plastic and that it maintains its shape well after being washed. The Simmons pad retails on Amazon for $29.99 and qualifies for free Super Saver shipping when purchased from their site.

If you only purchase one accessory for your mattress be sure to make it a waterproof mattress pad. For the low price of $40 you can protect your investment from damage and keep your warranty in tact without worrying about the next spill.

How an Electric Mattress Pad Can Save You Money

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:24:25 +0000

I was raised in an area where the winters were quite cold and always dreaded the thought of getting into my cold bed, waiting for my body heat to transfer to the rest of my bed so that I could get a restful night of sleep. Once the temperature finally equalized I would move my leg or arm into another cold pocket underneath my sheets and the process would start over again. This all changed when I received an electric mattress pad as a Christmas gift and from that point on I always had a warm bed to climb into during those cold nights. Electric mattress pads are a great way to provide localized heat to your mattress without the need to heat your entire room or house, which ultimately saves you money. So, what are some of the more popular electric matress pads and what should you look for when purchasing one? Read on for the answers to these questions.

Although an electric matress pad is closely related to an electric blanket, there is a key difference. An electric blanket is typically used along with your sheets and comforter and is placed on top of you. On the other hand, an electric heated mattress pad is placed underneath you, below your fitted bed sheet, allowing the heat to rise to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night without the need for heavy blankets. For most people a simple light blanket or two will suffice. For the best result I suggest setting the mattress pad to the desirable level about 30 minutes before you crawl into bed, so that your bed is toasty and warm when you’re finally ready. By doing this you’ll be able to set the thermostat on your furnace to about 50-55F, saving you a considerable amount of money on your monthly bill. The money you save will likely pay for the cost of the blanket in short order. An electric mattress pad is also safer than electric blanket, since it remains constantly flat against the mattress and doesn’t become bunched up.

Fortunately, there are several quality electric mattress pads to choose from and each of them offers a similar set of features. Most provide consistent heating through a series of low voltage discreet wires that run throughout the mattress pad. The amount of heat is controllable through an external wired or wireless remote. One company in particular, Soft Heat, produces a series of electric mattress pads that are extraordinarily soft with wires that are nearly imperceptible. These mattress covers feature dual controls and are machine washable. At $140 for the queen sized version, the Soft Heat Warming Mattress Pad is not cheap. However, when considering the money you will save in the long run over heating your entire room, it simply makes sense.

Another popular line of electric mattress pads are produced by Sunbeam, a company that has been in the electric blanket market for a number of years. Like the Soft Heat mattress pad, the Sunbeam electric mattress pad features dual controls, an auto-off feature and is machine washable. Overall, reviews seem to favor the Soft Heat products more, mostly due to their tendency to be more reliable. However, Sunbeam has sold thousands of these electric mattress pads for a reason, so be sure to check out their line of mattress pads as well.

In short, a heated mattress pad is a great option for those looking for a comfortable solution for dealing with those cold winter nights. It will provide an even distribution of heat due to its placement underneath your fitted sheet and will also save you money in the long run, since you will no longer need to run your furnace throughout the night to avoid freezing to death.

Make Your Mattress New Again with a Foam Mattress Pad

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:40:09 +0000

Every day millions of people from across the world wake up from a bad night of sleep due to a poor or deteriorating mattress. While some people don’t realize it, their mattresses may be contributing to muscle and joint pain, neck problems and even irritability. As a mattress ages it tends to lose the comfort and support it once had and instead begins to form depressions. The more a mattress sags the more likely the sleeper will feel the internal components prodding them in the back and other areas of the body. For those that already understand the association between their mattress and a consistent lack of quality sleep, they may not realize that there is a simple way out; a solution that doesn’t require a significant capital outlay. The solution, of course, is a foam mattress pad, also known as a visco elastic memory foam mattress pad. Constructed primarily from a series of polyurethane layers, a foam mattress pad features unique qualities that provide both extreme comfort and natural support. The following article will outline the different types of foam pads available and will provide you with the information you need to purchase a quality pad the first time around.

As the name implies, a mattress pad is meant to be placed directly on top of your existing mattress to cover up the imperfections beneath. While there are a variety of different pads to choose from, none offers the unique supportive qualities that a visco foam mattress pad does. This has to do with how the foam itself is constructed using a series of extremely dense layers to provide support. The density of the layers and of the overall mattress pad is what determines its quality, and you should only purchase a pad with a density of at least 3 lbs per cubic foot. Anything less than this will not provide the supportive qualities required to deliver a restful night of sleep. It’s also important that you purchase a foam mattress topper pad that is 2-4 inches thick and not more than this. The reason is that the foam itself is extraordinarily soft and a very thick pad would likely swallow you whole. Well, probably not, but you get the idea. Even complete “memory foam mattresses” are not composed entirely of foam for this very reason.

It’s been said that nothing conforms to your body quite like memory foam, and I would tend to agree with this statement. Memory foam is constructed from a series of tiny memory foam cells, each of which has microscopic holes to allow for air flow and circulation. Once a person applies pressure to the cell structure by laying on it, the cells compress fully and transfer the pressure to adjacent cells, allowing you to experience pressure relief. The open cell structure allows the material to conform precisely to the curvature of your body, thereby reducing pressure points and allowing you to sleep naturally. So, how much should you expect to pay and what other things should you be aware of when shopping for a new mattress pad?

The cost for a foam mattress pad will depend entirely on three factors – the desired density, the size of your existing mattress and the thickness of the mattress pad. As mentioned above, you will want to purchase a pad with a density of at least 3 lbs per cubic foot. There are foam mattress pads available beyond 4 lbs per cubic foot, though these are generally more expensive and don’t necessarily provide any extra comfort. In fact, most users agree that a densities of 5 lbs per cubic foot and beyond are simply too firm. It was also mentioned above to stick with a thickness between 2 and 4 inches, since anything thinner will not provide the “cover up” you need to hide the imperfections from your old mattress, and anything thicker will cause you to sink into the pad itself. Given these recommendations, you should expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a high quality memory foam mattress pad. This may seem high at first glance, but it’s important to remember that purchasing a mattress pad prevents you from needing to purchase an entirely new mattress, which is something that can cost thousands of dollars. In terms of the longevity of the mattress pad itself, you can expect it to last about 5 years with normal use.

Of course, a foam mattress pad is not for everyone, so it’s important that you put it through a trial run if at all possible. Many local and online retailers offer generous trial and return policies, but be sure to clarify if you’re not sure. I should mention also that many people are wary of memory foam products because of the chemical odors they emit when new. While these odors may be bothersome for some people at first, they always subside within about a week and will disappear completely in about a month. As dangerous as some people claim that these odors are for your health, it’s important to understand that these claims have yet to be substantiated. If you’re concerned it’s likely a good idea to consult with the retailer of your choice.

Happy shopping and sweet dreams!

The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress Pad

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:26:18 +0000

Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to improve the feel of your old mattress without completely replacing it? Are you sick and tired of the springs and coils from within your old mattress poking you in the back at night, preventing you from getting the good night sleep that you deserve? Fortunately, there is a solution that is relatively inexpensive that will literally transform your old mattress into the bed you’ve dreamed of. The answer is a memory foam mattress pad. While it’s true that there are many different types of mattress pads to choose from, none offer the supportive qualities and sheer comfort that memory foam mattress pads do. There are several reasons why these mattress pads are superior to others and why they should be on your list if you’re looking to improve your sleep experience.

Memory foam has specific qualities that make it unique when compared to other mattress pad materials. Due to its density, a memory foam mattress pad topper will gently give way to the shape of your body, enveloping you in total comfort. Visco elastic memory foam is constructed from polyurethane and other additives that increase its viscosity and density. The density of a piece of memory foam is extremely important, since this is what determines its level of support. Memory foam with a low density (less than 3 pounds/cubic foot) will react quickly to pressure and conform to your body almost immediately. While this may seem ideal, it’s actually better to choose memory foam with a density between 3-5 pounds/cubic foot, since it will not only conform to your body, but will also push back slightly, offering you the support you need.

The cost for one of these mattress pads will vary greatly depending upon the thickness and density desired, though most quality pads are generally priced between $100-300. Price can also be affected greatly by the size of the mattress pad, since a queen memory foam mattress pad can cost significantly more than a twin memory foam mattress pad. While this may seem pricey, it is far less than the cost of a new mattress, which can easily run in the thousands of dollars. It can make an uncomfortable mattress enjoyable for you or for your guests and is easily placed over the top of your existing mattress.

Of course, like anything else, a memory foam mattress pad is not for everyone. Some people simply don’t care for the feel of memory foam and don’t seem to benefit from its unique pressure relieving qualities. Others are concerned with the chemical odor that many memory foam products emit when new, though it’s important to understand that this odor will disappear entirely within about 1 month. If you’re not sure whether memory foam is the right option for you, it’s important to find a retailer that offers a trial period or one that has a generous return policy. You will want to try any mattress pad for at least 1 month before making a final decision, since any change in your sleep situation will take some adjustment.