Posts tagged ‘covers’

Getting Rid of Dust Mites in Your Mattress

If you suffer from dust allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not the dust itself that is causing your allergic reaction; it is dust mite waste that are probably causing them. Dust mites are eight-legged arthropods, similar to spiders and ticks, but unlike ticks and other mites; dust mites don’t bite and doesn’t carry disease.

How many dust mites are there in an average home? Well, it is estimated that the average mattress holds about a million of these microscopic creatures, and a single dust mite can emit 20 droppings in a day. The droppings and skin shedding of dust mites contain enzymatic proteins that may start asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and allergic rhinitis. Symptoms of dust mite allergies may include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, itchy eyes, sinus headaches, swollen sinuses, and difficulty of breathing.

There are several ways to get rid of dust mites. Products like sprays and detergents are effective in killing dust mites and eliminate them from your mattresses and beddings – but they don’t get rid of the droppings and skin sheds that are already there. The best way to minimize dust mites at home is by thorough cleaning. Mattresses, beddings and carpets should be cleaned and vacuumed regularly to cut down on the dust and skin shedding that the dust mites eat. Dust mites in bedding can be killed within ten minutes by dryer heat, but it can be very difficult to get dust mites and their waste out of mattresses and pillows. Dust mite mattress encasings should be cleaned frequently, and the same goes for your pillow encasings, it is also recommended to use a dust mite cover to protect them. Dust mites flourish in humid and dusty environments, so a dehumidifier and an air purifier will help dust mite allergy control by cutting down on the number of dust mites, as well as eliminating other allergens like pollen and mold spores.

Tips on Choosing a Twin Mattress Pad

If you’re looking for ways to fix up your old twin mattress into being comfortable again, consider having a new twin mattress pad. A mattress pad is normally used by placing it over an existing mattress, and is practical for enhancing the feel and performance of an old saggy mattress.

The most comfortable mattress pad for you isn’t necessary the most comfortable for other people, as it is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a softer mattress rather than a firmer one and the same holds true with mattress pads.

If you prefer a softer mattress, a great option would be a memory foam mattress pad, which is also one of the most popular. But the negative aspect of a memory foam mattress pad is that sometimes it can make you feel too warm, since the material is great at holding onto body heat. The other potential negative aspect is the cost, with most high quality memory foam pads costing between $200-300 for full size coverage. However, this is still significantly less than a new memory foam mattress, which can range into the thousands of dollars.

If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, you may want to consider a simple polyester filled mattress pad, which normally costs somewhere under $100. Theses pads are great when you’re only looking to cover a somewhat uncomfortable mattress, but also avoiding too much cost. When choosing a pad of this type, look for one that is machine washable, since you probably have to wash it frequently.

If you happen to live in a very cool climate or simply prefer to sleep on the warm side, then perhaps a heated mattress pad is a great option for you. Most of these pads are adjustable and feature an auto-off function to reduce electricity usage. There are even some models available that will respond to changes in body and room temperature. Sunbeam has been making high quality heated mattress pads for many years and currently charges around $100 for a full sized version. These pads are a great solution for providing localized heat and don’t require you to run your furnace throughout the night just to stay warm.

Tips on Choosing a Twin Mattress Cover

A quality sleep is very important for your health. It would ensure proper functioning of your mind and body. A mattress cover is as important as the mattress itself. It is easily washable thus keeping your mattress clean and bacteria free.

A quality mattress cover would help protect your mattress as well as giving you extra comfort and it should be able to absorb liquids (such as perspirations). The top surface of the cover needs to be comfortable enough for you to sleep on. A mattress cover made of polyurethane and cotton is recommended and it would also provide additional comfort for you.

A good mattress cover will help protect your mattress in various ways. One of the most important protection measures a mattress cover can provide is for allergy sufferers. Bacteria, germs and dust that can get into a mattress can be difficult to remove and clean. A mattress cover will help trap bacteria and dust before it would get into the mattress.

A mattress cover can also provide protection in the event of a spill. Depending on the type of spill, pests such as ants may be enticed to visit your bedroom. A mattress cover can easily be cleaned and help prevent pests from entering your bedroom. Some mattress stains are very difficult to clean off and would render the mattress useless. A good mattress cover will prevent a spill from ruining your mattress since the mattress cover should provide a degree of absorption.

Keeping your bed clean is an essential aspect of personal hygiene. Without a mattress cover, a mattress would be very hard to keep clean and dry, and would attract unwanted dust, germs and bacteria. A twin mattress cover can easily be washed on a regular basis to ensure proper cleaning and health for you and your twin mattress.

Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

A memory foam mattress differs from a traditional spring mattress in the way that they support your body. A traditional spring mattress uses limited number of springs to support your body. When using springs, there will often be pockets of space among your body and the mattress which is unsupported. Memory foam is a viscoelastic foam material and you may think of it as having countless number of tiny “springs” which would support more of your body than a spring mattress.

The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress
When you lie on a memory foam mattress, it would sense the pressure from your body and molds its shape flawlessly to your body. You may think of it as a custom mattress for your body. The benefit of sleeping in a memory foam mattress is that every part of your body will be evenly supported, thus helping you sleep better. A memory foam will adjust its shape to the contours of your body to the slightest detail and its “memory” characteristics help reduce extraneous movements.

A memory foam can greatly reduce unwanted movements and “bounce” caused by your partner’s movements. If you have a partner who moves during the night, memory foam will “absorb” the unwanted movement so you remain undisturbed.

You may also benefit from a memory foam mattress if you have joint pains or arthritis, as it would limit your movement with the optimal support it provides.

Choosing a Memory Foam Mattress
When looking for a memory foam mattress, it is recommended that you select a mattress with a thickness of at least 3” memory foam. Although some thinner memory foams are available, they are probably too thin and will often “bottom out”, thus incapable to support appropriately. A 3” memory foam top layer will make sure that you get the best possible support until it wears out.

The density of memory foam is usually measured in pounds per cubic feet. It is recommended that you select memory foam with a 5 lb density. It might be heavier but it will have a longer lifetime than a lower density foam and also will have a good firmness.

Correct packaging and shipping of a memory foam mattress is important. Look for one that has been vacuum-packed and is rolled instead of folded. The rolling process is better to folding because of its gradual bending and minimizes any sharp folds to the mattress. Vacuum packing ensures that the mattress is free from debris and reduces any chemical odors since all residual air is removed from the packaging.

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress

Most people are unaware that their mattress is old and doesn’t provide enough support, thus decreasing their sleep quality. If your mattress disturbs your sleep, then it’s definitely time to shop for a new mattress

A good mattress does more than providing you a soft comfortable place to rest after the long day or a place to cuddle with your loved one. The right mattress may actually improve your sleep and posture keeping your spine in the right position for seven to nine hours.

If your sleep is worse than it used to be a few months ago, check for signs of mattress deterioration. To determine whether you need a new mattress, take note of any stiffness or sore muscles or joints when you wake up in the morning. Any friction of the fabrics, unusual sounds and if there is a noticeable dip formed by one or two sleeping bodies on the mattress will tell you that the mattress needs to be replaced.

Most mattress ratings consider such attributes of a mattress as thickness, the material the mattress is made of, a warranty, price point and special features such as hypoallergenic qualities, stress-relieving design, and the fabric of the covering. After carefully studying the customer reviews and mattress ratings, this is what most people look for in a mattress:

The Material
Organic cotton and soft wool have become very popular among health-conscious buyers. However, cotton and wool mattresses are not treated with fire-retarding chemicals required by law. The mattress should not contain any polyester fillings and should be made of pure wool, preferably lamb or alpaca wool or at least latex foam. The perfect mattress should be dye-free, dust mite repellent, hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial. Ideally, the mattress should be moisture repellent and flame resistant, too. The mattress should be encased in unbleached organic cotton. Memory foam mattresses are highly rated as the most suitable mattresses for allergy sufferers, but some people suggested that these mattresses become stiffer in a hot climate.

The Shape
Firm mattresses provide more support and the most upscale models are doctor-prescribed. In general most reviewers prefer soft and thick mattresses which provide more comfort. The most common wish is that the mattress should regain its shape and should not flatten over time. People highly rated mattresses that are durable and are likely to last many years.

The Size
Most mattresses reviewed in mattress ratings are available in twin (single), double, queen, king and Californian king sizes. In general, people prefer to buy a mattress from a manufacturer that offers all imaginable sizes.

Your mattress foundation is also important. Ideally, you should get it from the same manufacturer because it will prolong the life of the mattress. When properly chosen, mattress and foundation will keep your spine healthy and naturally curved, ensuring you have a good sleep and pain-free morning. After a good night sleep on an orthopedic mattress your sleep will become deeper, and you will have much more energy during the day.

Latex Mattress or Foam Mattress?

$Latex Mattress vs. Foam Mattress$ Comfort is a matter of personal preference. One mattress can be very comfortable to a person and not so much to another person. In general, a foam mattress is more popular than a latex mattress, but it’s good to know their characteristics so you can make an informed buying decision.

Latex comes from rubber trees that grows abundantly in Asian countries. The plant produces a white sap, which is collected and then processed by heating it at the right temperature. Foam mattresses have been processed to specified designs and patterns by using special molds.

Since latex is purely a natural product, we could say that it’s generally safe to use. Latex is highly resistant to dust and it is hypo-allergenic. Latex mattresses are recommended to people who are suffering from asthma, allergic rhinitis and dust allergies. Its best attribute is that it is very comfortable and capable of keeping your body cool during the summer and warm during winter season.

Foam mattresses and latex mattresses both have special attributes. There are foam mattresses and latex mattresses that would suit anyone’s preference and budget. When you are looking to buy either a foam mattress or latex mattress, go to a store which sells both types. You will have the opportunity to check them and compare them with other brands of mattresses in terms of durability, design, models, thickness and comfort levels. You could try sitting on a foam mattress or latex mattress to gauge its firmness.

But let’s go back to the question — which is the better mattress, the foam mattress or the latex mattress? The answer best lies more in the comfort it brings to the buyer. Many tend to buy a mattress based on its firmness and durability. So whether you are looking to buy a foam mattress or latex mattress, do your research thoroughly. A good mattress should have a life span of at least ten years; anything less is not a good deal.

Therefore, the gauge for choosing the best mattress is primarily the comfort it gives. Another important factor is its warranty period. The mattress cost is also an important factor, but this should come second only to durability and comfort. Comfort, durability and price are factors you would consider when buying things in general. You can safely conclude that foam mattress is as good and special as the latex mattress; they were meant to last and give us the best comfort ever.

Cleaning a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses can be expensive. So it is important to know how to care for them. But what do you do when there are stains in your memory foam and you can’t get it removed? Read on to find out.

If the mattress is partly stained, use a spray bottle to dampen the stained area. You might want to mix a mild detergent with the water and spray on it. The detergent should not include any bleaching ingredient as it may damage the mattress. Soak the mattress through only when needed.

Gently brush the stained area using a sponge. The stains will not totally come off easily but it helps get rid of it a bit. Scrub gently until the surface stains comes off.

To get rid of the inner stains that persist, use the baking soda trick. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water and mix a one teaspoon of white vinegar. Soak a clean towel in this mixture and put the towel over the stained area. Press it down a bit so the mattress can absorb the moisture. Leave the towel there for about 30 minutes.

Remove the towel. By this time, the stains should have already come off. Spray it with water and sprinkle dry baking soda on the affected area. This will help get rid of the vinegar smell and helps dry the inside of the mattress.

Vacuum the affected area after a few minutes until all the residues are gone. Dry it completely using your electric fan or a hair dryer.

You can also use fabric cleaner products. But whichever product you choose, never use bleach as this can affect the memory foam mattress. Pick mold cleansers instead like baking soda as it has neutral pH balance.

Why Choose a Twin Memory Foam Mattress?

A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress originally designed by NASA to help relieve astronauts of the incredible g-forces experienced during lift-off. It was then altered and people began manufacturing them as products to help people have their quality sleep and prevent back pain. When you lay on it, you can feel it forming to the curves of your body as you apply pressure. The foam is the same material used in memory foam pillows. The name memory foam mattress refers to how it “remembers” how you press on it for a short period. Once the pressure is removed, it would slowly go back to its original shape.

The material used on a memory foam mattress is designed so that when pressure is applied, it sinks down and would sink down further when more pressure is applied. It also adjusts depending on temperature. When in cold temperature, it would relatively be stiff and relaxes when warmed up. Because pressure points on the body create the most heat on the mattress, these areas heat up and sink in to provide more cushion. This relieves tension and pressure so you can relax and sleep better. It also relieves pressure on your back. This is extremely helpful for anyone with back or joint problems.

Memory foam mattresses aren’t everyone, but many people have said that it helped considerably in relieving tension, pain, and achieving a more quality sleep. A high quality memory foam mattress or mattress pad can be expensive. Consider buying a memory foam pillow first before buying the mattress itself. If the pillow works out for you, you may want to try a mattress pad. The mattress pad will help you figure out if a mattress is worth the extra cost. You may discover it doesn’t work and you should save your money, or the mattress pad might work well enough that you don’t need to spend any more on a mattress. Either way, there is a large variety of memory foam products available in a varying price range.

What is an Organic Twin Mattress?

An organic twin mattress is basically a twin size organic mattress. According to their raw materials, there are four basic types of materials used in mattresses. Synthetic materials refer to all man-made materials. Along with being a raw material, synthetics can be used as coatings, additives, or appear as byproducts. Natural materials refer to those which are not man-made, but do not specify if they were produced without toxic chemicals or environmental harm. Organic materials refer to those grown and produced without chemical treatments, yet there is no standardized methods to determine authenticity, quality or supply chain. Certified organic materials are those which adhere to the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) guidelines. It is the only standard by which a complete product is certified as organic from growing the seeds to shipping the product to a warehouse.

Organic Mattress Care
The best and easiest way to care for an organic crib mattress is to use a mattress pad. An organic cotton or wool pad should be chosen depending on the likeliness of excess moisture. Change your fitted sheet once a week to control regular dust and grit. If something should get on your mattress use a mixture of 50% castile soap and water. Pat lightly until stained area is clean.

Twin Mattress for Your Child

With a standard size of 39 × 75 inches, twin mattresses are big enough for children and teenagers. They are both long and wide enough for your child to get a good night’s sleep on. Growing children and teenagers need more quality sleep than any other age group in order to perform their best physically and intellectually at school, so it is extremely important to get your child or teen a quality twin mattress to get a good night’s sleep on.

As your children grows, they would need good support while they sleep to prevent future back problems. Therefore, get your child a quality firm twin mattress that will provide them with maximum support for their back.

Remember that mattresses do not last forever. They will wear out eventually, so consider not giving your youngest child the twin mattress that was already used by his or her older siblings. Depending on the quality, old mattresses won’t support your child as well as a new twin mattress. Keep in mind that quality sleep is really important for your child and a good way to make sure that your child gets his or hers is to provide them with a comfortable firm twin mattress.

Guide to Mattress Sizes

How much do you know about the exact dimensions of mattress sizes? If you have a bed frame, do you know the mattress size to accompany it with? Here is a list of standard mattress sizes and sheets.

Mattress Sizes
Twin : 39 x 75 inches (99 x 190 cm)
X-Long Twin : 39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
Full : 54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
Queen : 60 x 80 inches (153 x 203 cm)
King : 76 x 80 inches (198 x 203 cm)
California King : 72 x 84 inches (182 x 213 cm)

Fitted Sheet Sizes
Twin : 39 x 75 inches (99 x 190 cm)
X-Long Twin : 39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
Full : 54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm)
Queen : 60 x 80 inches (153 x 203 cm)
King : 76 x 80 inches (198 x 203 cm)
California King : 72 x 84 inches (182 x 213 cm)

Flat Sheet Sizes
Twin : 66 x 96 inches (167 x 243 cm)
X-Long Twin : 66 x 102 inches (167 x 259 cm)
Full : 81 x 96 inches (205 x 243 cm)
Queen : 90 x 102 inches (228 x 259 cm)
King/California King : 108 x 102 inches (274 x 259 cm)

Comforter Sizes
Twin : 68 x 86 inches (173 x 218 cm)
Full/Queen : 86 x 86 inches (218 x 218 cm)
King/California King : 100 x 90 inches (254 x 229 cm)

Posts tagged ‘covers’

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