Adjustable Beds vs. Flat Beds

Adjustable beds are regarded as being very comfortable, and are recognized for providing many health benefits that simply are not attainable from a flat bed. Flat beds can create tension throughout your body. They can also lead to, and aggravate a sore neck, back, hips and legs. Additionally, they can be the cause of, and contribute to breathing problems and stress.

Now, consider the adjustable bed... not only are adjustable beds not the source of these problems, but they can actually alleviate these issues as well as many other health conditions, such as: lower and upper back pain, neck and shoulder tension, breathing conditions and even acid reflux. Once you experience the benefits of an adjustable bed, you'll appreciate why an adjustable bed is a wise investment for anyone who values restful sleep... and who doesn't benefit from a good night's rest?

Mattress Topper Quick Primer

Memory foam mattress toppers, also called bed toppers, are made in varying thicknesses and densities. The most common memory foam toppers are in the area of 2-inches in thickness. Premium toppers are 3-inches to 4-inches thick and are made of a denser material than the less expensive ones. Toppers of the highest density construction provide the best support and should, under normal use, last many years. What follows are a few quick tips and facts about memory foam toppers...

-- Never place a mattress pad on top of your mattress topper because memory foam responds to, and utilizes your body's temperature to accommodate your unique form and shape. Consequently, anything you place between your body and the temperature-sensitive foam will profoundly diminish the way your topper feels and the comfort its designed to yield.

-- Toppers of inexpensive, low density construction will bounce back and recover from your body's weight for a period of about 10- to 12- months. Eventually, they will begin to flatten out and show body impressions.

-- If your mattress is wearing out and degrading, or if you place your memory foam mattress topper onto a box spring base, the topper is going to sink in the same places and to the degree your mattress and box spring sinks... this defeats the purpose of the topper and you will not realize its benefits or comfort.

-- Memory foam provides it's soothing comfort only when it does all the giving from the top down and is firmly and rigidly supported at the bottom. A platform bed of solid wood construction makes an ideal base for a memory foam mattress.

Sleep Trials Are Key.

Sampling the feel of a mattress at a store may give you the impression that the mattress may work, but the real test is trying it for yourself in your own home. That's what a sleep trial feature does, and it's also why getting a sleep trial is so important. Now, not all sleep trials are created equal. First off, not all retailers even offer a sleep trial. But beyond this, sleep trials can vary in a few ways. One difference between retailers can be the length of time offered for the sleep trial. Is it 10 days, 30 days or 90 days? In this regard, common sense would say that longer is probably better. You'll also want to learn about the retailer's return policy in the event the sleep trial doesn't work out. There may be a shipping or handling charge involved. But, this stands in marked contrast to many mattress retailers who do not offer refunds or exchanges on returns at all. In most states or communities, retailers are usually not required by law to accept returned merchandise and offer refunds or exchanges. If they do it, it's a good will policy on their part. At any rate, shopping a retailer's sleep trial program can be just as important to shopping for the mattress and bed you plan to buy.

Adjustable Bed Choices.

As with traditional beds, adjustable beds come in a variety of sizes; single, double, queen or king. Dual beds are also available which consist of two side by side beds which can be adjusted independently to one another. This option is very practical for couples who desire or need to sleep in different positions.

In addition to providing a more comfortable sleeping position, adjustable beds can often bring health benefits. Two common and simple examples include: elevating the upper body to provide greater upper and lower back support. A second example is elevating the legs to reduce edema or fatigue in the lower legs, ankles and feet.

Adjustable beds are usually offered in two, basic configurations... single and dual motors. The number of motors the bed has will determine the flexibility of positions to which the bed can be adjusted. Two or dual motors offer greater selection of positions... as the leg portion of the bed can be adjusted independently of the head portion of the bed. Adjustable beds can also be equipped with additional features such a massage and heat functions.

Adjutable beds provide many choices and options over a traditional, flat bed. The human body is not flat. Therefore, a traditional flat bed cannot offer the support choices that an adjustable bed offers... and this feature alone amounts to maximum comfort possibilities.

Adjustable Beds' Health Benefits.

With there being so many adjustable beds of all shapes and sizes on the market today, it’s definitely not a good idea to keep your old bed when it may actually be having an adverse effect on your health.

When you're reclining or sleeping on a flat bed, your body can be in a state of tension. Our bodies are really not made to rest flat, because they’re curved from the base of our feet to the tops of our heads. So, when your body sleeps on a flat bed, discomfort, or even pain, can become evident.

An adjustable bed counteracts this tension from sleeping or reclining flat... first of all, since adjustable beds can be adjusted, the incline angle of an electric bed can be adjusted to support your head in a comfortable position. And, following this benefit, your neck will be in a more comfortable, less tense position as well. Secondly, if you choose the right mattress to work in tandem with your adjustable bed, and one that maximizes and enhances the benefits of an adjustable bed, your entire body will be able to assume a more comfortable, and less tense position. This can significantly reduce back and neck pain, shoulder tension and hip or pelvic aches.

Additionally, by using the bed's adjustable features... certain areas of the body can be raised and lowered according to individual comfort levels to increase blood circulation and reduce pressure. For instance, raising one's legs and feet can bring relief to that area of the body from muscular aches and joint pains. While raising the top portion of the bed toward a sitting-type position, can reduce tension on the lower back and shoulders.

If you're having trouble achieving a restful night's sleep, due to the fact that reclining flat just doesn't permit you to assume a comfortable position in sleep, then an adjustable bed may be just what the doctor ordered to preserve your health and enable you to enjoy a soothing, relaxing night of sleep.

The Trouble With Coil Springs.

In 1871, the innerspring mattress was invented. Much has changed in over 133 years. And, mattress technology has changed too. Inner spring coils are a metal spring product designed to hold a persons weight. In doing so, no matter how many coils a mattress has... whether it is 312 or 1000... it still puts pressure on the human spine. This causes the tossing and turning problem that many coiled mattress owners experience. And, it's the main reason innerspring mattresses have so much padding on them... it's to protect your body from the springs. Did you also know a typical used innerspring mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside of it? Most high-quality memory foam mattresses are dust mite-resistant and anti-microbial, which makes a significant difference if you suffer from allergies and asthma. Furthermore, memory foam mattresses don't create any pressure points. And, they provide the much-needed cushion and comfort that's needed for soothing, restful and problem-free sleep.

Fibromyalgia and Memory Foam Mattresses.

Memory foam mattresses only have visco foam at the top, where the mattress comes in direct contact with your body. Visco memory foam is considered to be one of the softest foams on the market which explains why many neuro fibromyalgia sufferers have found pain relief on it. Foam however, is firmer than other available sleep surfaces... like feather mattresses, for example.

Mattress manufacturers also make different types of memory foam mattresses. Some are harder, for people preferring firmer sleeping surfaces, but many models are especially designed for people who prefer a soft-sleeping surface.

However, pain tolerance varies from sufferer to sufferer which is why a memory foam mattress will only provide pain relief for some people. Memory foam softens at body temperature, and only through sleeping on the mattress will you be able to tell whether its firmness or softness can provide you with some degree of pain relief.

The bottom line is this: many healthcare professionals and patients report that a memory foam mattress, pillow or mattress topper may help ease the pain caused by fibromyalgia. It can be a major investment for some people. However, a memory foam mattress does not need to automatically equate to "expensive". So, if you consider the lifespan of a memory foam mattress of more than 10-years, simple arithmetic will show that this mattress will cost you around 50-cents or less per night... proving it's well worth the money to enjoy comfort and pain relief on some of those nights.

Tempurpedic Pillow review

I was wondering around the mall and I walked into a Tempurpedic Mattress store there. My boyfriend has not been able to sleep lately and I was hoping that if I got him a new pillow - that combined with our new mattress - it would help him sleep and make my life more enjoyable. The pillow is really heavy. I bet it weighs 8 lbs. I have done quite a bit of research on these pillows and mattresses. Apparently Memory foam is getting more popular every day. There are a ton of links to good sites about it. Wikipedia has a page for it. I have to admit I think it lives up to all the hype. It really makes my boyfriend sleep better. I would like to test other types of memory foam though. I was very happy with the support and service I got from Sleep Masters in Mesa, Arizona. We will probably end up getting some Tempurpedic Mattresses for the other rooms in our house.

Sleep masters is not associated with Tempurpedic and does not sell their products. They use a comparable Memory Foam that has the highest density on the market.

My first Tempurpedic Post

I recently bought a memory foam pillow at a mall in Mesa Arizona. After a few nights’ sleep I have to admit I have never slept so well in my life. How does this stuff work? I wonder if I bought a tempurpedic mattress or tempurpedic mattress pad if I would sleep much better? There are so many mixed reviews of how this stuff works and what is good and what isn’t. There are also a few buying guides about it and one states:

“The Key To Tempurpedic Mattress Success:

High Density Foam Has More Body And Longer Memory. Memory foam density ranges from 2.5lb to 5.9lb. (density is measured in pounds per cubic foot). Tempurpedic foam used in memory mattresses is 5.3 lb which means that a cube of Tempur material, one foot in each direction, weighs a whopping 5.3 lb. But how does this relate to comfort and support? Mattresses made of the higher density foam are much better quality and perform better over their expected lifetime. Here’s why.In high density foam like Tempurpedic’s, there are billions of small, open cells (bubbles with holes in them), tightly packed together. When you lie down on a Tempur mattress, air flows slowly between the bubbles giving it time to gently cradle the natural hollows of your body, distribute your weight and relieve pressure..”

I am wondering who sells the highest density memory foam though? It would seem like if you got foam too dense it would be like sleeping on a rock right? I also wonder what’s next? A bed or pillow made of gel? Maybe I’ll sleep on it.