Memory Foam Vs Innersprings – Which Should You Go for?

If you are in the market shopping for a mattress, chances are you’d be confused about whether to choose a memory foam or innerspring bed. The reason is simple: mattresses with springs are the most popular of all bed types but visco-elastic foam has grown in popularity over the years (since being introduced by NASA in 1966). 

The aim of the agency at the time was to make aircraft cushions safer but in the 1980s, the foam was released to the public and became commercialized. Charles Yost, the inventor called it ‘slow spring back foam’ but it has gone through several modifications including being used in medical applications.

Innersprings, just as the name suggests, consist of springs or pocket coils which are insulated by layers of fabric, to provide an even sleeping surface while memory foam is made from polyurethane, a synthetic material made from petroleum products. Unlike regular polyurethane foam, memory foam is temperature and weight sensitive. Temperature-sensitivity means it responds to body heat by molding itself to the shape of a person’s body within minutes.

Memory Foam is Right for You If:

* You want excellent pressure relief from aches in the back, joints, neck, shoulders as well as hips, as many users with these health challenges report an improvement upon using this foam

* You want a bed that will last long and require little maintenance. This is unlike spring mattresses (which you have to flip now and then)

* You want a sleeping surface that eliminates motion disturbance between partners who sleep on the same bed

* You want a bed that will contour to your body, distribute your weight evenly and reduce tossing and turning

* You have set aside a substantial sum of money as it tends to be expensive

A Spring Bed is Right for You If:

* You want a bouncy feeling on your mattress. This is unlike visco-elastic foam which you just sink into

* You prefer a bed made with springs, instead of foam

* You don’t want to spend much on a mattress          

* You hate cushions that sleep hot, like most memory foams do (however newer brands have taken care of this problem with the open-cell technology and the gel-infused memory foam)

If you decide to go for memory foam, go with a 5Ibs density or more. Check if the foam has gone through stringent industry certifications like the Certipur-US or Oeketex. Also read the reviews of actual users of the product and check the warranty and return policies of the company you want to buy from. Can the product be returned after a trial period? If it can, at whose cost will that be? If it can’t, how many years warranty does the product have? This will enable you to choose carefully.

Popular visco-elastic foam brands include Tempur-pedic, Sleep Number, Sealy, Serta, Simmons, Signature Sleep, Dynasty Mattress, Sleep Innovations, Dream Foam, Lucid by Leninspa, Ultimate Dreams and so many others. You can investigate these brands online and even check with local mattress stores. Get a feel of these brands by lying on them and if you want to avoid the stress of going from store-to-store, get your credit card and buy a bed online. Many people have taken this risk without regrets.

Conclusion

What you sleep on doesn’t really matter –be it visco-elastic foam or a bed made with springs- what matters is the personal comfort and support you derive from it. If a mattress serves your needs and that of your spouse, I’ll suggest you stick to it instead of following the fad and the dictates of our time.

Saving Money on a New Mattress

Good sleep is essential to optimal health but a bad mattress can ruin all that. If you care about the quality of sleep you get, shopping for a new mattress is a must, especially if you often wake up with pains and aches. 

Getting a quality bed is however not easy. The stress of going from store to store, checking out beddings is a sore point and the price tags on these items are hefty.

You can however save money by following the tips below:

* Buy through the Internet

You can get good quality mattresses online for a fraction of the amount they cost in physical stores, so, the next time you want to purchase a cushion, just check online stores. They carry a huge inventory of products at reasonable prices. Also, they have reviews by other users and these can help you make an informed decision.

* Ask for a Discount

If you decide to buy from a physical store, ask for a discount in a courteous way. Most salesmen would agree to such a request and you can save some money.

* Purchase during Sales Periods

Most mattress stores offer steep discounts around Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day; you can decide to purchase during such periods to shave several hundreds of dollars off the mattress price.

* Put Life into Your Old Mattress

If you cannot afford a new mattress right away and still want some comfort, consider buying a memory foam topper and placing on your old mattress. This protects your bed from stains and allergens and extends the lifespan of your bedding. It also gives you the luxury and comfort of memory foam.

* Look at the Warranty of the Product

Does the mattress have a warranty? Are you allowed to return it if you do not like the product? Are you required to pay for returns? You need to consider all that before purchase, so, you don’t end up with a product you really don’t like.

* Go for a Durable Mattress

Comfort is key when buying a new mattress but it’s not the only thing. Durability is important too. A bed that lasts a few years would save you money in the long run as you don’t get to replace it often and often.

Conclusion

All in all, you can buy the bed of your dreams if you are bold enough to follow these tips. Buying a new mattress really shouldn’t be a hassle. Have a clear idea of what you want and go get it.

About the Author

Jane Allen is passionate about sleeping and bed issues. She is out to educate people about how to choose the best mattress without breaking the bank. Jane runs a blog at www.bestmattressforthemoney.org. When she is not writing, Jane loves spending time with her family.

7 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Crib Mattress

If you are expecting, choosing crib styles and mattress for your baby can be daunting (because of the myriad of options available). This article will help you make an informed choice by looking at the following factors. And they are:

* Does the mattress have square corners? If possible, a baby’s mattress should have square corners to prevent the baby from becoming trapped between the mattress and the rail.

* Does the baby’s mattress fit your crib tightly? This is to prevent any space between the mattress and the crib (which would threaten your child’s safety). Most crib mattresses come in standard size, but read your crib’s instruction manual for more details. How do you know if your baby’s mattress is tight? If you can fit 2 side-by-side fingers between the side of the baby crib and the mattress, then the mattress is too small and poses a safety risk.

* How firm is the baby’s mattress? Because babies are still developing bones and muscles, they need a mattress that is very firm; to accommodate their growing muscles and antics as they learn to turn their heads, roll over, and push their upper torso up on their crib mattress. 

* What is the mattress made of? Inner-spring and latex mattresses are good for babies. Innerspring mattresses will retain their shape longer and can provide a high level of support during sleep. An Innerspring mattress is as firm as the number of springs it has. If you go with foam, ensure to opt for natural latex foam, which is less toxic (compared to petroleum-based ingredients). Then ensure the mattress is thick enough to provide even support. Also, ensure the mattress is allergen-proof to protect your child from dust mites and bed bugs.

* Can the crib mattress transition into a toddler bed? If it can, this saves you money as you don’t have to purchase a new mattress when your child outgrows the crib.

* What quality does the mattress cover have? Mattresses with good covers will be the most durable. You can also add a mattress protector that is waterproof to keep your baby's mattress in good condition.

* How durable is the mattress? Infants and toddlers spend over 50% of their time on the crib mattress so getting a good quality mattress is important. The durability of the mattress also saves you money as you get to use it for some years.

Conclusion

Choosing the right crib mattress for your baby would go a long way in ensuring he or she gets quality sleep in the early years. As parents-to-be, we should give careful consideration to crib mattresses as well as styles of crib and bedding because the safety and comfort of our kids would give us peace of mind. 

Hopefully, this article would help you choose the best mattress for the money both for your kids and yourself.

Watch This Video for Help In Choosing a Crib Mattress

Mattress Buying Guide

Choosing the best mattress for the money can be quite a hassle if you don't know what you want. If you have a clear idea of your individual needs, getting a new mattress won't be as cumbersome as it usually is for people.

For me, the first thing to consider are your individual needs. Do you want a mattress that is firm and bouncy? Do you want a mattress that is soft and responsive? There are many types of mattresses (ranging from memory foam to innerspring to air mattresses and latex mattresses) that can cost up to $2000. The annoying thing about these expensive mattresses is the fact that they may not be of good quality. Price is not always a determinant of quality. So, do your due diligence before investing in a new mattress.

To get a new mattress, you may want to go from store to store, testing hundreds of mattresses to make sure they are good for you. If this option doesn't excite you, get on the Internet and do some research about mattress brand names and models. Investigate their products and the comments users have made about them.

Usually, the best mattress for the price is the one that provides comfort without breaking the bank. Even though it costs less, the quality is good.Before you purchase any mattress, check to make sure the manufacturer provides a warranty. Also check to make sure the mattress offers pressure-relief when you sleep on it.Do you have a bad back? Then get a medium firm mattress that would support your back while you sleep.A very firm mattress  may not be for you as it would aggravate your back pain.

If you're married and want to satisfy your partner, you can get a mattress that supports couples who sleep together (without disturbing each other).

Most memory foam mattresses are good, while latex mattresses are eco-friendly and good for people who have allergic reactions.To overcome these allergies, you can get a good quality mattress cover.

As you read this, the market is awash with different brand names and makes of mattresses but making an informed decision is the result of solid research. So, don't joke with your research today!

You can get help, reviews and ratings @ bestmattressforthemoney.org

Watch this Video For More Help on Choosing the Best Mattress for You