Latex mattresses have spring backs which are functioning actively if you’re asleep. If you change positions during sleep, the latex will act on it right away to apply the proper support to your body’s new location. Although memory foam functions like this as well, its reaction is slower. As a result, before this mattress can adjust and conform to your body’s new position, your sleep may already be interrupted.

Compared to visco-elastic mattresses, latex ones are better in a couple of vital points. Firstly, latex mattresses are friendlier to the environment due mainly to their 100% bio degradable quality. Memory foam on the other hand is made from a petroleum based product called poly-urethane. Some would suggest that poly-urethane is natural but the truth is, it contains lots of different chemicals from its processing and it is not biodegradable. Visco-elastic mattress users can all testify to the chemical odor this mattress discharges. This persisting smell can last for up to a month and can really be dizzying.

Aside from being greener, latex mattresses are tougher and can last longer. Just recently, I bought a memory foam mattress and noticed that the upper layer of the mattress has already deteriorated after a couple of months. Although I must admit that I purchased the more affordable version and not the tempurpedic one. It supported my body pretty well during the first few weeks. But after three months, proper support can only be achieved (especially when I sleep on my back) if I sleep on the bed’s edge.

This is not the case when you use a natural latex mattress because it’s far more durable and long lasting. Plus, its performance will not decline for at least three years from the date of purchase. If its raw material is pure natural rubber instead of synthetic ones, it will take longer than three years before you experience any deterioration.

The debate on which type of mattress is better is a continuing one. Latex mattress users and visco-elastic advocates both have valid and sensible arguments. There are people who like all the benefits that latex mattresses provide whereas some prefer the sleeping condition that visco-elastic ones offer. In the end, it’s all a matter of personal preference because each individual varies in tastes and inclinations. If you’re getting tired of your aged spring-coiled mattresses, then it’s time to give the latex or visco-elastic mattresses a try.

You must be aware that the product (mattress) is fundamentally a merchandise. All mattresses are practically the same; they only differ in their marketing strategies. The secret is to just look for the cheapest one you like. Purchasing a mattress is that simple, really.

But as I’ve said earlier, this industry is quite interesting. Continue reading on as I elaborate further on the astonishing world of beds and mattresses.

The Best Brand

Simmons, Serta and Sealy or otherwise known as the Big S’s are the big dogs when it comes to innerspring mattresses. Aside from the big three, there are numerous brands that offer various models of mattresses. The choices are endless. So how do we choose?

Manufacturers change the products’  names for each store. This is true even for identical products. So what’s their purpose in doing this? The answer is to create confusion among customers. It can be difficult to select the affordable ones if you think that you have differing choices. People think that the mattresses within a certain brand are all unique but in reality, they’re all practically the same. And the same goes even among varying brands.

The coils are the most important part of innersprings. The other components such as foam, cotton, quilting and stitches are not significant factors. People should know that only one company, Leggett and Platt, supplies the coils to almost all the top mattress makers today. It’s like having different brands of cars (Honda, Toyota, Kia, BMW, etc.) and all of them are running on a Ford engine. But as we all know, mattress technology is way simpler than automobile science. That’s why if we come to think of it, all mattresses do not differ much at all.

Just test the mattress for comfort. Brand names do not have significance and should be disregarded. So if comfort is the key, the mattress’ firmness comes into play.

Level of Firmness

This is where the process becomes complex and often contradictory. The floor is harder than coils that’s why the latter is better. But people generally want their coils to be firm but not too much. So to give the coils a soft feel, they’re layered with foams. However, the foam must have a certain firmness. To achieve this, a durable box spring is placed underneath it to create balance. The ideal firmness is attained by these numerous and not so simple steps. Can’t they create the ideal firmness in just one step? The complexities and contradictions are epitomized by this unique mattress brand name: Simmons Beautyrest World Class Granite Plush. I’m not kidding, Granite Plush!

Here are the vital factors that determine firmness and softness levels:

Coil Counts and Wire Gauges

I used to think that the secret lies in coil counts and wire gauges. I asked some writers who are in the bedding field but they had no answers for they still have not acquired the much sought after secrets from the manufacturers. So I stuck to the general consensus: the number and thickness of coils are directly proportional to the level of support. But I realized that it’s a lot more complicated than that. There are mattresses that combine thinner wires and higher number of coils whereas others employ thick wires with fewer coils. It’s hard to compare each one because the combination of these elements varies greatly.

Known as the “guru of the bedding industry”, Larry Thomas of Furniture Today stated that people give emphasis on the number of coils too much. For him, it’s not a determining factor. Of course, a more expensive mattress has a higher quality than the affordable ones but to actually feel the difference is another thing. The cheap ones and the most expensive ones actually do not have much difference when I tested them personally. Again, ignore the specs and just test for the comfort.

Pillowtops

Mostly made from wool, cotton or foam; pillowtops are stitched on the mattress’ upper part. Although they make the mattress more expensive, they are surprisingly in demand. With these, I believe that manufacturers are cheating the consumers of hundreds of dollars. You can use cheap foam pads to imitate their effects. Also, pillowtops distort the springs’ effects. You should purchase a cotton or foam mattress if you prefer the “soft feel” of these materials.

Thickness

This latest craze is another bogus feature being pushed to us by these manufacturers. I once saw a mattress worth $5,000 and measures an astonishingly 2 feet thick. It’s so thick it looked like 4 or 5 mattresses on top of each other. According to experts, they’re just marketing ploys because thick beds appear to be more comfortable. Thickness also equals heaviness. You cannot even carry some of these mattresses up the stairs because they weigh more than 200 lbs. In reality, comfort can be attained with much less thickness and weight.

Nowadays, people can’t see their headboards anymore due to the extreme thickness of their beds. The manufacturers responded by integrating slimmer box springs.

Box Springs

To tell you the truth, they do not benefit you in any way. In short, they’re useless. They just add a significant amount to the cost. The difference between one box spring to three or four is not that obvious. Manufacturers often advertise the support and durability these box springs provide our bed but it’s impossible to prove if this is indeed the case.

In Europe, box springs are not that popular and you don’t hear them complain about their beds do you? My bed has no box spring and it’s perfectly fine with me. It’s all a matter of personal choice, actually. If you really like many layers, then go ahead. If a single layer is enough, then you don’t need to buy one. Personally, I just place my mattress on the floor. As a result, I don’t need to have nightstands and it saves me a lot of money. I just let gravity do its thing.

Foam, Air, Water and Latex

These elements are categorically types of mattresses. Gaining popularity right now is the Viscoelastic memory foam. Conforming to the form of your body is the Tempurpedic model. I tried it before and was impressed with it. However, the $1,500 tag price is way too much for me, even if it’s state of the art.

Although innersprings are still kings of the mattres market, Select Comfort air mattresses are becoming more and more in demand lately. When I tested it, the feeling of air made me a little uneasy. The air level could be adjusted though, with just a push of a button. You can try compressing it with your weight. Do not be surprised if it does not have as much give as foam. Testing this bed reminds me of my camping days. The entry price for a queen size air mattress is $550.

Although their popularity has already peaked in the 60s and 70s, waterbeds are still very much around. In fact, out of all the specialty bed sales in the market, 50% of them are from waterbeds. I haven’t tested it yet I couldn’t find one that’s available for testing. And I think I’m still a little hesitant on lying on a waterbed.

“Latex are the best mattresses”, stated an independent mattress maker who I talked to recently. He makes Latex mattresses by the way. His words convinced me to give Latex a try but I did not feel anything special. But you should try it because you might like it.

Futons

Futons have no box spring that’s why they’re price is much lower. But nowadays, futons have somehow lost their appeal. Some new futons even consist of innersprings while real innersprings add more and more foam just like futons.

Conclusion

There’s a huge possibility that you may not be able to tell the difference between a $200 and $900 mattress. Well, I sure can’t. As I’ve mentioned again and again, all mattresses are practically the same. According to Larry Thomas, if you purchase an ultra expensive mattress, you’re actually just paying for prestige. Affordable mattresses are available everywhere. Naturally, the more expensive ones offer more features but do not get excited over these. Always, the best thing to do is to test the mattresses yourself for you’re the only one who knows what you really like. The most ideal mattress is the one that will give you the best sleeping comfort. It all boils down to the quality of your sleep.

1. Firmness is crucial. You should test the bed first to know if its firmness suits you. To evaluate the level of support the bed can provide, you should lay down on the bed in various positions.
2. For people who share their beds with their partners, it’s best to take your partner with you in testing the bed. This way, you can get a bed that is ideal for both of you and ensures comfort in your sleep.
3. You might prefer mattresses with coil spring. The number of coils is directly proportional to the bed’s firmness. So more coils means more support and vice versa.
4. For people with back problems who prefer specialized mattresses, then latex beds are for you. These beds conform to the body’s shape therefore taking away any pressure. Not only that, people with allergies such as asthma, etc. will greatly benefit from latex mattresses for most of these beds are resistant to allergens.
5. A small bed such as a single or a three quarter is ideal for people who are on a tight budget or do not have enough room space. But be sure that these beds fit you because if they’re too small for you, your back will be subjected to great pressure. If you do not wish to buy much bigger beds, you should at least get a mattress that’s 5 inches longer than your height. If you have a partner who’s taller, the bed should be 5 inches longer than his/her height.
6. Be careful in purchasing bargain or cheap beds. These beds could be of mediocre quality that’s why they have a low price. To be sure, carefully examine the bed’s quality.
7. People with back problems are strongly advised to consult a physician first before looking for a mattress. You should seriously consider the doctor’s recommendations in your search for the ideal bed.
8. Some people have more severe back injuries that getting in and out of the bed is giving them quite a challenge. For them, adjustable beds are recommended. These beds provide ample support for the head and knees. This takes away the pressure off your back.
9. As I’ve mentioned earlier, be wary of beds that are on discount or sold at a very low price. Quality and comfort should not in any way be compromised especially for people with back issues. Invest in a bed with topnotch quality that provides utmost comfort even if it’s a bit costly. But it’s still best to look into different shops to find the best deals.
10. Last but not the least, the secret to having a good night’s sleep and sufficient back protection is having a bed that gives the right combination of comfort and support.

Innerspring

Almost all beds have inner spring or coil. In fact, 80% of the beds available in the market today are of this type. Different beds have also different number of spring coils. Some only have 250 while others can reach over a thousand. The number of coils is directly proportional to the bed’s degree of support. If you want a softer feel, go for the slimmer coils. The shape of the coil can have varying effects as well. Coils that are shaped like an hour glass compress with age. This results in an eventually harder mattress over time. More support is provided by coils that are wound from a single wire (continuous coils) due to their thickness. Not linked to the other springs, pocket springs are held in individual fabric compartments. Layers of cotton or cashmere cushioning held these coils. Therepedic Innergy, Simmons Beautyrest, Sealy Posturepedic and Serta Perfect Sleeper are among the most well-known brands around.

Foam

Nowadays, memory-foam beds are slowly gaining popularity. This type of bed conforms to the weight and heat of the body, creating a perfect mold for the sleeper. There’s also the viscoelastic foam conceived by NASA in the 70s. This type of foam was utilized as a seat cushion for astronauts. The only foam that has an anti-bacterial quality is Latex. According to David Perry, Furniture Today’s executive editor and mattress writer, “Latex is also one hot category”. When it comes to Latex foams, Tempur-Pedic used to lord it over the competition but in recent years, other brands such as Therapedic MemoryTouch, Coverest, Verlo, TrueForm by Sealy Posturepedic, Serta Luxury Response Alternative Sleep Collection and Pure Response Latex Collection have slowly gained popularity.

Air and Water

In air mattresses, the amount of air on either side of the bed can be controlled to your own preference. With these beds, you can dictate the level of firmness and adjust it to the level that suits you best. That’s why nowadays; air mattresses are becoming more and more popular. During pregnancy for instance, women gain and lose weight in a span of months. By using these beds, they can always adjust the bed’s air level to match their ever-changing weight. As I’ve stated earlier, the amount of air can be controlled on either side. This means that even your partner can adjust his particular side of the bed to his/her own liking. Air mattresses come in different brands but among the more popular ones are Therapedic AirTouch, AeroBed and Select Comfort’s Sleep Number Bed.

Reaching the peak of their popularity during the 60s and 70s, water beds offer a new fancy feature as well. Nowadays, these beds are not just all water due to the inclusion of washable pillow tops. Land and Sky and FloCore by FloBeds are two of the well-known brands.

Latex is naturally hypo-allergenic unlike other types of mattresses. This quality alone makes latex the most ideal material in mattress making. Latex is resistant to harmful elements such as molds, mildews and bacteria. Even dust mites do not find latex a suitable place to live in. Because of this, people with allergies should use Talalay latex mattresses especially if they’re manufactured by Jamison. Talalay latex mattresses from Jamison are better and have a higher quality than ordinary latex.

Listed below are the steps in the production of Talalay latex:

1. Liquid rubber that is well-mixed is poured into a mold until it becomes bubbly.
2. The bubbles or pockets are removed inside the mold using a vacuum. This will make the liquid rubber evenly distributed through the mold.
3. The foamed rubber is frozen by using CO2. Through this process, the latex’s consistency is locked in.
4. Heat is administered to give a balanced temperature that’s needed in order to have a consistent latex core.

High quality latex cores that excel in comfort, performance and durability are products of these steps. The firmness levels of these mattresses are also wide in variety. This is also the main reason why Talalay mattresses are being used by Jamison.

There’s a common complaint about memory foam mattresses; it seems they feel too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. These incidents can be prevented by using Jamison Talalay mattresses because they have the ability to remove body moisture due to their breathing capacity. This results in a cooler feeling in the summer and warmer feeling during the cold season.

In addition, a Jamison Talalay latex mattress needs no flipping. This is called the “no flip” feature. The quality of these mattresses is so topnotch that they perform well and maintain their shape for a long time. Also, the Comfort Support System for Talalay mattresses is exclusively being offered by Jamison. You can select the comfort level you prefer from the numerous choices. Whether you like very soft, very firm or something in the middle, there’s surely one that’s right for you. With these, turning the mattress becomes a thing of the past.

Jamison Talalay mattresses are highly regarded by customers and critics alike. They’re simply one of the most excellent mattresses out there. Expectedly, quality comes with a price. They’re definitely not among the cheapest brands out there. But the quality these mattresses provide gives justice to the price tag. You should try one to have an idea of what I’m talking about.

A firmer mattress to cure back pains is one of the biggest misconceptions. Medium-firmness innerspring mattresses helps people with back problems more than the hard innerspring mattresses, according to a study conducted in Spain in 2003 and was later published in The Lancet. The Spine Journal also presented a study in 2008 comparing hard futon mattress to memory foam mattress and waterbed. The result led to increased back pains and restless nights for the participants who were tasked to use the hard mattress.

Fundamentals of Visco Memory Foam Mattress

Upon sitting on memory foam, airs drifts from every cell making the bed adjust to your form. Because it is made up of open cells with billions of balloons that have holes in them, it acts as a great support to your weight while relieving points of pressure at the same time.

Visco foam mattress has no air in the cells to push back that might cause any discomfort. When the air is equally spread to unite the cells, the foam automatically contours itself to your body’s shape providing you with the prolonged relaxation and proportional support your body needs.

Fundamentals of Latex Foam Mattresses

There are two types of latex. The one that is processed chemically by combining special ingredients to rubber is called synthetic latex. On the other hand, natural latex uses pure rubber acquired from rubber trees.

The Dunlop method is the conventional and the cheapest way to make latex foam mattresses. This is a process where the latex, a milky white solution composed of minuscule rubber particles dissolved in water, is whipped to become foamy, heated, vulcanized and then cured. While the Talalay method undergoes a 7-step process for 8 hours which results in a stronger and more refined form of latex.

Talalay latex foam mattresses have an open-cell structure that coordinates well with your body. It is designed to be elastic so it returns to its original form once you get off it. Plus, the air can circulate well to easily adjust to your body temperature. Lastly, Talalay latex mattresses bring together the advantages of chemicals combined with natural elements to maximize the support and durability of the mattress.

o The foundation (box spring) notably makes the life span of the mattress longer. Many might think that box springs are not such significant factors to consider when purchasing Talalay Latex mattresses. It is a fact that an old box spring mattress can give you the same sensation as the new one. Of course the new one will last longer than the old one. Many branded mattresses nowadays will last for a decade when used on a new spring box while a mattress on an old box can last for only 3-4 years. Steel reinforced box spring is guaranteed to last longer than any other. When buying, you should purchase the whole set, mattress and box spring included so that the product can give you the finest result.

o The mattress core is a vital part which gives foundation to the mattress. The mattress supports you while the mattress is supported by the box spring. Metal coils or commonly called “coils” make up the core of the mattress. There are 3 aspects about coils in mattresses that you need to know.

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1. The amount of coils in a mattress should match the support the mattress gives you. Case in point, a mattress with 300 coils will give you a reduced amount of support than a mattress with 700 coils. This does not imply though that a mattress with 300 coils is not a good mattress. Some may prefer this over a higher amount of coils. But if you want a firm mattress, a higher coil count is the one for you. Many of the world’s most luxurious mattresses possess 412 coils.

2. The gauge of coils is the second area that should be taken into consideration. Light gauge coils will give you less support while heavy thick gauge offers a better support. It doesn’t matter if you have light or heavy gauge coils in your mattress. The conflict begins when someone offers you mattress with heavy gauge wire and low coil count as a firm mattress. Because this does not contain enough coils, the mattress will eventually become bumpy. When making mattresses, most branded mattress companies stay within a rational range.

3. The connection between the coils should also be considered when looking for a mattress. Usually, the quality and count of these interconnecting wires are not published. A fewer number of these interconnecting wires on a mattress can lose its shape quicker than one with an ample amount. Those mattresses that have less interconnecting wires customarily sag immediately.

o The upholstery found on top of the mattress is essential for the body’s basic comfort. You can choose the upholstery that fits you best. Pick a “pillow top” when you prefer sleeping on a feather bed at the same time getting the needed support of the body. Opt for the thinnest upholstery when you fancy sleeping on a board. The upholstery is used only when you’re awake in bed so it won’t affect your sleep at all. “Regular-top” and “Pillow-top” basically offers the same support. It’s up to you to choose the right kind for the mattress.

o You would have a set of fabric, metal, and a little plastic if you separate an innerspring mattress into all its distinct parts. Generally, the fabric is the most expensive part. It has wide varieties like silk, wool, cotton and many more. The price of which depends on the quality. Pillow top mattresses are exceptionally widely known for containing the most fabric/foam. Typically, the fabric wears off momentarily so it’s expected that the pillow top will start to sag before the metal springs below lose its firmness. Just rotate and flip the pillow top on a regular basis had you decided it’s the one for you. In this way, you can use it for a longer period of time. o You would have a set of fabric, metal, and a little plastic if you separate an innerspring mattress into all its distinct parts. Generally, the fabric is the most expensive part. It has wide varieties like silk, wool, cotton and many more. The price of which depends on the quality. Pillow top mattresses are exceptionally widely known for containing the most fabric/foam. Typically, the fabric wears off momentarily so it’s expected that the pillow top will start to sag before the metal springs below lose its firmness. Just rotate and flip the pillow top on a regular basis had you decided it’s the one for you. In this way, you can use it for a longer period of time.

The great thing about Talalay latex mattresses is that they don’t sag as fast as innerspring mattresses, giving you more value for your money. There is a simple reason behind this which is connected to the mattresses’ natures. A latex foam mattress is made up of millions of minuscule bubbles which are inflated in their natural state whereas an innerspring mattress makes use of the coils to fill out the mattress and provide support. The bubbles deflate whenever pressure is administered and expand again when the pressure is removed.

However, latex mattress has a downside. Many people with fast metabolism produce excess body heat during sleep. Heat removal is not the strongest asset of a latex mattress, it’s also the same reason it retains its shape for a longer time. The reason for the heat is that the bubbles are compressed deeper into the mattress unlike a traditional innerspring mattress which has open air space that allows heat to dissipate. This specific trait of the inner spring mattresses is the primary reason for preventing heat attacks on people that may result to night sweats.

A synthetic latex mattress is less hypo-allergenic and thus more affordable than the natural latex mattress. The synthetic variety was originally used by NASA and is a product of space research. It also has less movement, making it more convenient and posing less health risks unlike foam mattresses.

The ability to conform to the body’s shape is the most important quality of latex mattresses. They provide equal weight support to the people who use it. The problem with the accumulation of body heat can be solved by using a cotton mattress topper. This dismisses the most prevalent complaint with the latex mattress and making one an attractive choice for the consumers.

More and more people are now shifting to Talalay latex mattresses. But before deciding to purchase one, make sure to weigh your options first. Comparing different latex mattresses can be very helpful because you’ll be able to know the characteristics of each.

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Internet is the ideal place to do your research. There are various websites that can accommodate your inquiries about latex mattress. By making yourself familiar with the distinct compositions, densities and brands, you get yourself closer to finding the most precise mattress for you.

Latex mattress includes a core of latex foam. The number of tiny holes in the core affects its firmness. You will eventually be able to differentiate latex mattress from a synthetic foam mattress by determining their softness and rigidity. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in the search for the perfect mattress.

Natural latex mattress mattresses are composed of rubber tree saps thus making them pricier than their synthetic counterpart because it takes greater time and effort to produce. Most latex mattresses nowadays are a combination of synthetic and natural latex. There are two ways the latex mattresses are being processed. The most common is the Dunlop method while the other one is the Talalay method which produces less compressed mattress making your rest more comfortable.

By trying out the different mattress types, you’ll get to experience firsthand what it feels like. Simply lie down, make yourself comfortable and savor the moment on the mattress. This task is a bit time consuming but it will be all worth it once you find the ideal mattress that matches your needs and taste.

Take time to evaluate the retailers and manufacturers. Check out the guarantees and warrantees that each offer. It’s crucial to have a sleep guarantee so you can sleep on it for a span of time and free to return it when it doesn’t meet your standards. Make sure to review the terms and conditions to fully comprehend their policies.

By carefully assimilating their differences in such factors as retailers, manufacturers, processing methods and materials used, you are one step closer to having a greater night’s sleep.