Sunday

Orthopedic Mattress Review

People suffering from problems related to the back will find a practical solution in the use of orthopedic mattresses. Such mattresses provide the much-needed support to the spine and back of the occupier sleeping on them.

Use of certain category of mattresses can increase the chances of muscular discomfort, stiffness and aches. Sleeping on some ranges of mattresses can heighten the likelihood of muscular discomfort, aches and stiffness. The use of orthopedic mattresses helps retaining the correct body-posture during sleep. This goes to relieve unnecessary pressure points and tensions. Knowingly or unknowingly, many people get inconvenienced while asleep, mainly because of the mattress they use. Should you be one such person, it’s time to understand how an orthopedic mattress can help you and how to choose an appropriate one for your use.

One major reason for problems experienced in the back is the unduly prolonged use of the same mattress. You may buy a cheap mattress from a store near you, but it remains doubtful if it will at all provide the support needed while sleeping.

The design and composition of orthopedic mattresses varies a lot. Its construction may include coils and springs, or it may use memory foam or latex. You can also have an orthopedic mattress with a combination of materials. Apart from the variety of materials used and the sizes, orthopedic mattresses also have varying degrees of softness or firmness. It will not be a very wise decision to buy a mattress that you think would work for you without really understanding its material composition and the characteristics it derives as a result of the materials used.

Memory foam orthopedic mattress

The advantage of a memory foam is that it provides even support to your body. That reduces pressure on the pressure points, thus helping to support the natural double “S” shape of the spine. Another advantage is that it can adjust itself to body temperature, thereby helping you to sleep undisturbed.

Spring orthopedic mattress

At one time all the mattresses would necessarily use spring coil system. It was only later that other versions appeared in market. Memory foam is one of the later versions and certainly affected the popularity of spring mattresses. However, the design and manufacture of spring mattresses too has undergone quite a few changes and it continues to remain popular. They are available over wide range of designs and prices. Better-priced spring mattresses are known to provide orthopedic qualities.

Dunlop/Talalay latex foam orthopedic mattress

Natural rubber derived from the sap of rubber trees is processed to get special latex foam that has characteristics similar to memory foam. Though memory foam mattresses are available in a wider range, the trend is sure to change with time. Characteristically, latex offers a better bouncing feel than memory foam and you would do well to compare the two before buying one.

Some of the renowned brands like Sealy and Silentnight offer quality orthopedic mattresses. Particular feature of double tufted and double cushion top of Silentnight makes it very popular. Yet, these two are not the only brands to offer orthopedic mattresses. It will be worth exploring the Internet for other providers of impressive orthopedic mattresses. Spare some time and browse the net to select one that appeals most to your requirements.

Monday

Buying Mattresses And Useful Reader Comments

I recently posted a comment for all people who visit this blog to see, and I am doing the same thing again. Why? Because people need to hear things that they can relate to. And they need to hear details, opinions of other people that are based on facts.

This is how we got to our second comment related to several brands of mattresses. Our commenter didn't state his name, but declared himself as a Helper. And so, here is Helper's comment, I know you will find it useful:

"I am so glad I found this page of reviews since (No, I didn't wrote this, he REALLY said this :D ) I am in the market for a new mattress. I was going between a Simmons World Class (that's their second level out of 4) and a "Sleep To Live" that is supposedly by Kingsdown. I have to be honest, when I did some research on Kingsdown's actual website and on the separate Sleep To Live website I found absolutely NO EVIDENCE that these two companies are even related-which raised the first red flag. I also found it strange that the "Sleep To Live Machine" (as one commenting employee called it)doesn't show exactly where your pressure points and problem areas are as opposed to another local furniture store that displays exactly which areas need the most support.

All it seems to do is display your name with a pretty color code underneath the plenty of advertising on why you should drop a couple grand on their mattress. After reading the majority of disappointed reviews on here I am surprised a company would boast about customer satisfaction and 15-20 year non-prorated warranties and be less than accommodating to potential return customers. Bad economy to be providing lack-luster service. So after the reviews and reading the introduction to this page about the Simmons pocketed coil system being what is in the Kingsdown mattress, I think I'll go with the more reputable company and opt for the tried and tested Simmons mattress. It's half the price of the "Sleep To Live" product with a stronger gauge steel (the lower the number, the stronger the steel), the store I am buying from (NOT Sleepys) has a complete description of what's inside the mattress and best of all-FREE DELIVERY! Sleepys charges some kind of delivery charge, weather it is delivered to the store or to your home! I feel like I'm making the best decision for me and wish everyone luck with their search for the best mattress for them.

And a few tips for mattress consumers from one who sold them for over 20 years... First off, I would just like to remind people that a GOOD mattress should be able to support the body, regardless of weight. Some people are 200 lbs. and are not considered "obese" because their height or build is different than what is considered "perfect" or "ideal". I found it kind of insulting that comments were made on people's weight being the problem and not the manufacturer's fault. (And I'm only 109 lbs. so I'm speaking objectively and from educated experience on mattress structure.)

Secondly, there is no specific "head" or "foot" area to a mattress (in most cases) so if someone told you the mattress has been installed backwards or upside down they are just making it up. The only way that would be a problem is if it was literally placed face-down and the pillow top would obviously be missing, hopefully raising a red flag. Most mattresses are now "no-flip" which means that you must rotate the bed from head-to-foot and foot-to-head every so many weeks or months as directed. This also means you will get 1/2 the life you used to out of a bed now because it is cheaper for these companies to make them "no-flip".

And last, no furniture store will ever have the same named mattress as another because the mattress manufacturers change the name of each model for each different store. This is especially frustrating when looking for the best price so I suggest getting the specs (if available) to make the best educated decision with the best price. I hope this little bit of information helps somebody out there :)"

I believe this kind of information WILL help and I truly hope there will be many visitors reading this post/comment.

That would be all for today, ladies and gentleman, I'll see you soon.

Cathy

Friday

Mattress Reviews, Consumer Ratings And Your Choices

There have been many comments on this blog and they became a great resource for anyone who is buying a new mattress. Here and there we have some very different points of view and opinions that really hit the target when it comes to mattress market. I decided to put one of these comments as a post now and it's from a salesperson that says it as it is.

Stan is not the only one that deserves the attention of this blog, there were others before. You can find their opinions in the comments, but from now on, I will post a comment that I find very helpful to all the visitors. Stan's comment is fantastic and offers a lot of help. It's not product specific, but it definitely helps you develop a way of thinking when shopping for a new bed and mattress.

Here we go:

"Thank you Cathy for this blog. Let me first point out that I am a mattress salesperon for the last 12 years. I noticed that someone said:

1) "Go buy a mattress from someone that is not on commission".

2) Others have suggested 'the commissioned salesperson is only here to sell you the mattress with the highest commission'.

Let me shed some light on those points.

First, the person that is on hourly rather than commission is usually available at Sears, Pennys, or Big Lots. Not bad places to shop, but they usually will lack the knowledge a commission salesperson usually has. Do you think the person who was selling Lawnmowers, or Baby Clothes before lunch has any knowledge of what the right mattress is for your back?

When you put someone on commission, they are usually going to get paid more. But, their employers are going to expect more, and rightfully so. My employer expects me to go on my days off to learn about mattresses and sleep so I may serve you better. If you miss those meetings, you'll be out of a job soon on matter how much you sell.

Second point I want to make is every mattress has about the same commission. Give of take a few dollars. We also aren't out to just sell you anything and everything with the highest price or commission. Now, here is why: Within the past several years, the industry has gone from letting anyone exchange a mattress they chose in the store for just a delivery charge, to charging a restocking fee of up to 30% (and that's if the company even allows exchanges). Now, if a customer exchanges the mattress here is what happens to the salesperson:

They have to repay the entire commission on the first purchase + half of their commission. They now do earn commission upon the new purchase, but we are basically being charged back more than the original commission to help pay for this used mattress. If a salesperson new they had a defective mattress being sold by one of the mattress companies, how many of them would he want to sell if he was being backcharged if the customer doesn't like it? None, and that's why we try so very hard to get it right the first time. And once we feel you have found the right mattress for you, we do try to earn your business.

I think in our society today, we find it acceptable for people to blame others for the decisions we have made. Fathers, mothers, sisters, brother, bosses, coworkers, salespeople, and cercumstances. I say that because some people in these blogs state things like "I was forced to do this or that, or buy this or that". My parents raised me to believe 'If I made a bad purchase, I was to use that as a learning experiance and not blame others'.

Final thoughts: I own a Miralux for 4 years and love it. I have bought my Neice, Sister, and my Mother a Miralux, and plenty of my coworkers have one, and they all love theirs. They stand behind their warranty, and are a good value. They make lemons like everyone else every once in a while, but perfection isn't possible in any industry.

Do your research, and pick the bed you like and not the one your friend or family member likes. Your body will take time to get used to it just like a new pair of shoes. Always give it at least a month to get used to it, and never buy a mattress with out at least a 45 day exchange policy.

Thank you again Cathy."

That's the whole post people. Now, if you want to purchase a mattress from Miralux, King Koil, Serta, Englander or any other company, bear this enlightening comment in mind.