Bedroom Decor Tips | Bedroom Decorating Ideas » memory foam mattress pad

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.

Tips On Buying A Memory Foam Mattress

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:04:48 +0000

Everyone knows about memory foam. There has been a sustained push in marketing the product over the last few years, resulting in television, radio and magazine ad campaigns designed to inform the consumer about the increased benefits of memory foam mattresses over regular mattress foam technology. However, the discerning customer should be aware that there are several costs and benefits that must be carefully weighed before purchasing the product.

There are several technical considerations before buying. For one thing, not all memory foam is temperature-sensitive. In order to check that it is, you should lie on the mattress to test it out. Over the course of a few minutes, the mattress should “melt” away from areas where it is in contact with your body. These areas should also cause the material to contract and soften. If this does not occur, inquire about the product – or explore alternative brands.

The most important indicator of the quality of memory foam is its density. The highest-quality (and therefore most expensive) memory foam has a density of over 5-6 pounds. The cheaper (and less effective) kinds can get as low as 2-3 pounds. Another important thing is to count the number of layers in a memory foam mattress. A good memory foam mattress has at least two or three layers of what is technically known as “urethane foam”; these layers serve to provide even support and weight distribution. As a result, the life of the mattress will be extended.

Additionally, it is very important to note that memory foam can essentially act as a sponge – it is very absorbent. As a result, spilled fluids can potentially damage the product. It is important, then, to ensure that your memory foam mattress pad is waterproof, so that you avoid this potential pitfall.

Another important thing to realize is that you can always ask for a trial. As a consumer who will by buying a product that you will use for years, you are within your rights to demand that you try before you buy.

If you still decide that you are unwilling to spend the money on full-scale memory foam mattresses, there are certainly alternatives…

The most immediately apparent one is the “topper”, which is a thinner mat (made of memory foam) that goes over the regular mattress, and works to amplify the level of comfort your old mattress provides you. The memory foam toppers are much cheaper than full-on mattresses made of memory foam, check out the mattress pads guide for more information.

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.

Transform Your Old Mattress with a New Mattress Pad

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:41:35 +0000

Each and every day millions of people lay down on their tired, uncomfortable mattresses hoping for a good night sleep, only to realize that it’s simply out of reach. While some people have gotten used to their old mattress, perhaps out of necessity, others long for a better option; an alternative solution that doesn’t require a month’s salary to attain. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can transform your existing mattress into something much more comfortable – a mattress pad. Mattress pads come in a variety of materials to suit individual sleep preferences and can even offer the sleeper additional support that may be lacking from their mattress. The type of pad that is right for you will depend on many different factors including the condition of your mattress, your sleep habits and comfort preferences. The good news is that most mattress pad options can be purchased for between $50.00 and $100.00 – far less than the cost of a new mattress.

For some people, particularly those that are located in colder climates, a heated mattress pad is a great option. These pads contain insulated wires that run throughout the pad itself, providing uniform heat to the sleeper. Most current heated mattress pads on the market are equipped with adjustable settings and are even machine washable. These pads can be especially useful for people that sleep cool or for those that don’t wish to run their furnace throughout the night due to cost reasons. For those that share their mattress with another person there are heated mattress pads that contain dual controls, allowing for separate heat profiles.

For those that desire both warmth and extreme comfort, a memory foam mattress pad is likely the best option. Due to their unique construction, memory foam mattress pads conform to the sleeper’s body, offering unmatched support. Like all memory foam products, a foam mattress pad can be purchased in a variety of densities to suit individual preferences. A side benefit of memory foam is its tendency to hold on to body heat, thereby providing some of the benefit of heated mattress pads, but without the additional electricity cost of an electric mattress pad. Another common type of mattress pad for those seeking comfort is a feather bed, though these typically don’t provide the same level of support as a foam pad does.

Another type of mattress pad used commonly by people with small children or pets is a waterproof mattress pad. These types of mattress pads are typically about the same thickness as a thin blanket and fit tight against the mattress in order to provide proper protection. They can be used in combination with other types of mattress pads for those looking for comfort as well as protection from spills and accidents. Having kids of our own, we have purchased a waterproof pad for each of our beds and have been saved multiple times from damage to our mattresses. The benefits provided by this mattress pad are worth far more than the $40.00 paid.