Enchanted by Beautiful Bedrooms

What You Need to Know about Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses

11/12/2018

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Mattress Type and Components:

Simmons Bedding Company offers innerspring and hybrid mattresses under the Beautyrest product name as part of three exclusive collections.
The Black Collection features innerspring mattresses with an above-average price-point. Some models are available in multiple firmness ratings. It currently features the following models (ordered by price from highest to lowest):
- The Tatiana features a comfort layer with a top layer of gel memory foam, second layer of standard memory foam, a third layer of latex, and a microcoil bottom layer. The support core is designed with pocketed coils encased in edge support polyfoam.
- The Sonya has a comfort layer with a top layer of memory foam, a middle layer of latex, and a microcoil bottom layer. The support core features pocketed coils with a polyfoam encasement.
- The Natasha features a comfort layer with a layer of standard memory foam, followed by a latex bottom layer; the ‘Plush’ option also features a top layer of gel memory foam. The pocketed coil support core is encased in edge support polyfoam.
- Like the Natasha, the Mariela has a comfort layer with layers of standard memory foam and latex; the ‘Plush’ option also features a top layer of gel memory foam. The support core has pocketed coils encased in edge support polyfoam.
- The Katarina Pillow Top has a comfort layer with a top layer of standard memory foam and a bottom layer of gel memory foam. The support core foam-encased pocketed coils.
- The Desiree has a memory foam comfort layer and a pocketed coil support core encased in edge support polyfoam.
- The Calista is designed with a memory foam comfort layer and a pocketed coil support core with a polyfoam encasement.

The Platinum Collection features innerspring and hybrid mattresses with a mid-range price-point. Some models are available in multiple firmness ratings; the current selection is listed below (ordered by price from highest to lowest):
- The Quinn hybrid features a comfort layer with four components: a top layer of standard memory foam, a second layer of high-density memory foam, a third layer of standard memory foam, and a latex bottom layer. The support core features pocketed coils with a polyfoam encasement.
- The Maddie hybrid has a comfort layer with two standard memory foam top layers, followed by a third layer of gel memory foam and a bottom layer of latex. This model also features a pocketed coil support core encased in edge support polyfoam.
- The Bryson hybrid is constructed with three memory foam layers in the comfort layer, followed by a bottom latex layer. The support core features pocketed coils encased in polyfoam.
- Like the Bryson, the Austin features a comfort layer with three memory foam top layers and a latex bottom layer. The pocketed coil support core is encased in polyfoam.
- The Katherine Pillow Top innerspring has a comfort layer with a gel memory foam top layer, a standard memory foam middle layer, and a polyfoam bottom layer. The support core features pocketed coils encased in polyfoam.
- The Gabriella Pillow Top innerspring is designed with a comfort layer with a top layer of gel memory foam and a bottom layer of standard memory foam. The pocketed coil support core is encased in edge support polyfoam.
- The Brittany innerspring features a gel memory foam and standard memory foam comfort layer in the Plush and Luxury Firm settings, and a polyfoam comfort layer for the Firm setting. In all settings, the support core features pocketed coils encased in polyfoam.
- The Amberlyn innerspring features a polyfoam comfort layer with a memory foam center and a pocketed coil support core with a polyfoam encasement.

The Silver Collection features innerspring and hybrid mattresses with a below-average price-point. Some models are available in multiple firmness ratings. The current lineup is outlined below (listed by price from highest to lowest):
- The Harbour Beach hybrid has a comfort layer with a top layer of standard memory foam, a middle layer of gel memory foam, and a bottom layer of standard memory foam. The support core features pocketed coils.
- The Cascade Mist hybrid features a comfort layer with a standard memory foam and gel memory foam top layers, and a standard memory foam bottom layer. This model also features a pocketed coil support core.
- The Austin Reef hybrid has a comfort layer with a top layer of standard memory foam, a middle layer of gel memory foam and a polyfoam bottom layer, as well as a pocketed coil support core.
- The Beachwood hybrid has a comfort layer with top and bottom memory foam layers, and a polyfoam middle layer. The support core is constructed with pocketed coils.
- The Charcoal Coast Pillow Top innerspring features a comfort layer with two top layers of polyfoam, followed by a third layer of memory foam and a microcoil layer. The support core has pocketed coils.
- The Charcoal Coast innerspring has a comfort layer has two top layers of polyfoam, a third layer of gel memory foam, and a final microcoil layer. The support core features pocketed coils.
- The Open Seas Pillow Top innerspring has a comfort layer with two top layers of polyfoam, followed by a third layer of gel memory foam and a bottom polyfoam layer. The support core has pocketed coils.
- The Open Seas innerspring features two top polyfoam layers in the comfort layer, followed by a bottom layer of gel memory foam. The support core features pocketed coils.
- The Tidewater has a comfort layer with top and bottom polyfoam layers surrounding a middle layer of gel memory foam. The support core is designed with pocketed coils.

Simmons Bedding Company does not disclose the composition of any mattress covers.

Why it’s great:

Simmons Beautyrest currently offers 24 different innerspring and hybrid mattress models, half of which are available in multiple firmness settings. This extensive selection should accommodate a wide range of sleepers.
A large number of owners claim Simmons Beautyrest mattresses offer above-average edge support, and have a responsive surface that makes them better for sex.
Simmons Beautyrest mattresses are available at hundreds of brick-and-mortar locations across the country.

For more details such as product specifications and warranty information of Simmons beds - speak to a sleep expert at The Bed King.

Article source: https://www.tuck.com/simmons-beautyrest-mattress-reviews/

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Reasons why you need a sleeper couch in your living space before the next holiday period rolls around…

10/30/2018

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Let’s cut to the chase - here’s why you need to start shopping around for sleeper couches, Johannesburg, Cape Town - everyone who doesn’t have one yet.

You’ve Got Visitors Staying Over

You know how it goes. Whether you like it or not, you’ll be expected to host people over the June holidays and year-end festive season.

Whether it be just for lunch, or for a week thanks to your brother-in-law choosing the cheapest accommodation option (your house), chances are you’ll have to organise sleeping arrangements for one or two people.

With a sleeper couch in your lounge, your guests can go from sitting to sleeping in a matter of minutes – and they’ll have the television to entertain them through the night so you don’t have to!

You’ve Been Kicked Out of Bed

Gentlemen, we’re talking to you here!

We know the struggle; the dogs, cats, and even the African Grey decide to spend the night on your bed, leaving you just enough space to lie on your side with a cat’s bum in your face while you try to get to sleep.

Let’s face it – the tribe has spoken, and the island is just too small for the lot of you.

With a sleeper couch in your home, you’ll be able to rest easy in the living room while your significant other deals with the animal farm in your bedroom.

You Like a Good Movie Marathon

Picture this:
You arrive home late from work on a Friday night; it’s raining and the wind is threatening to uproot your entranceway pot plants.

Your significant other hasn’t taken anything out for dinner, which usually means take-outs are in order.
With a sleeper couch from Bed King positioned directly in front of your television, coupled with takeaways and a warm blanket, you have the makings of a perfect couch-cuddle movie marathon evening.

What’s more, should you fall asleep during the third Lord of the Rings, you won’t wake up with a crick in your neck come Saturday morning!

Article source: https://bedscapetown.wordpress.com/2018/10/30/reasons-why-you-need-a-sleeper-couch-in-your-living-space-before-the-next-holiday-period-rolls-around/

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CHOOSING BETWEEN A KING OR A QUEEN SIZE BED

10/30/2018

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Even as you are a couple, you still need to have comfort when sleeping on your bed. With a bed that can hardly give you this, both of you will have a bad morning each day and it can even create havoc in your health. The bed is one furniture that must be well thought of prior to any purchase.

The King Size Bed
Space is one of the reasons why you need to get a king size bed. With a measurement of 76 x 80 inches, you and your spouse can be assured of having more area to stretch. The king-size bed also offers more space for the whole family to lie down together and relax. It is an eye-catcher because of its dimension. King size beds are more placating, satisfying and soothing to sleep on. However, it can be quite difficult to get bed linens, sheets and blankets that will fit. You also need to be sure that your bedroom is huge to accommodate its size specifically the door opening must be wide as well. Not to forget is that it commands a higher price than the queen size bed.

The Queen Size Bed

The queen size bed is also ideal for couples and cost less than the king size bed. There are varied selections to choose from unlike the king size bed. Dimension of this kind of bed is usually 60 x 80 inches; and the sizes differ in every country. It may not be as huge as the king size bed, but it offers ample space for couples to have a good sleep and more area to stretch. Queen size beds are not hard to dress up. Linens, sheets and blankets are available in a myriad of selections. As in the king size bed, your bedroom must be big and must also have a wide door opening.

It is very essential to purchase the ideal bed. To be able to get the appropriate size for your bedroom, you need to take the dimension of your room first. Be sure that you do not get impressed by its looks and size. You also need to ensure that it will provide you with a good mattress to take care of your back. There is nothing more upsetting than to wake up in the morning and feel your whole body hurting. Remember sleep recharges our body; and this cannot be achieved without an appropriate bed. Your bed should also complement the other furniture in your bedroom.

If you’re shopping around for queen-sized beds, Johannesburg or surrounds - make sure you check out what The Bed King has on offer. The Bed King has great quality queen-sized beds for great prices!

Article source: http://blog.lafurniturestore.com/choosing-between-a-king-or-a-queen-size-bed/

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Double vs. Single Beds: What Should You Know?

9/20/2018

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Single and double beds certainly have a lot in common. They are narrower and more affordable than the popular Queen bed and they’re used frequently in children’s rooms and college dormitories. But they are each unique and come with their own set of pros and cons. Which one is the bet fit for your bedroom? Read on for our double comparison.

The Basics
Standard Single

Width: 96,5cm
Length: 190,5cm

Who is this ideal for?A Standard single is also known as a Twin bed. Single mattresses and beds are often the next steps for children who have outgrown their cribs. They’re also a great option for smaller bedrooms like Guest Rooms. Bunk beds also traditionally come in single size.

Standard Double
Width: 137cm
Length: 190,5cm
Width Per Person: 67cm

Who is this ideal for?Double beds or mattresses are sometimes called a “Full-size” or just “Full”. It is the same length as a single bed (sometimes it’s measured at 188cm in length instead of 190,5cm), which can make it too short for some adults. A double tends to be better for individuals – a couple would only get 27″ each – which is the width of a crib. The Better Sleep Council says parents are increasingly choosing double-size beds over single sizes for teenagers’ and even younger children’s bedrooms.

Less Traditional Sizes
Single XL: The single XL is the same width as a Standard single but it’s about 12,7cm longer, making it the same length as a Queen or King. It is a nice option for college dormitories or taller children who may have smaller rooms. You will also see them in hostels where multiple beds are in one large room.
Width: 96,5cm
Length: 203cm

Double XL: This bed is the same width as a Standard double but has an extra 12,7cm length that matches single XL, Queen and King size options.
Width: 137cm
Length: 203cm
Width Per Person: 67cm

You Might Choose Single if…

You’re a petite adult or child. As we mentioned earlier, single-sized beds are sort of the next step up from a crib mattress. This could be a tight fit in both directions for an average adult and nearly impossible for a couple.
You’re trying to save money. If you have room for a Double bed but can’t afford the frame, mattress, and sheets, you can consider a single (or a single XL for more length). The single will definitely be more affordable since you are saving on space. College dorm room beds are often single XL and there are good sales on bed sets during Back-To-School season.
You need a bed for a smaller room. A single bed will look very small in a Master Bedroom (unless it’s a small bedroom). A single will probably fit well as a replacement for a crib in a nursery or a smaller room that maybe two people share – like a kid’s room.

Double If…

You’re a couple and tight on space. Two people could technically sleep on a Double bed, but it would be a tight fit – with each person only getting the width of a crib for themselves. Consider a Double XL for an additional 5″ of length if that’s a Double is the widest option of your room.
You’ve got a bigger room to fill. You’ll get an additional 12,7cm of width in a Double from a single or single XL, which will fill up space in a room better than a single or even a single XL bed.

You’re looking for something to grow into. The Better Sleep Council says that more people are choosing to skip a single or single XL and go straight to a Double for their young children or their teens. The extra width leaves room for everyone to grow.

Things To Consider
There are a lot of reasons to choose either a single/single XL or a double/double XL. Planning ahead is going to be critical in making sure you pick the right one for your room. Here are some tips and things to think about before you make your next purchase.

Measure your space and leave room for movement. If you are thinking about making the jump from a crib to a single or a Double, make sure it fits it in your bedroom. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in an impulsive shopping moment and end up with a bed that doesn’t fit. An article from Th!ngz Contemporary Living says that most designers will recommend 76cm of space around your bed for movement.
Consider who will be sleeping in the bed. Is this a new bed for your child? Something for the guest room? Will two people end up in this bed? All of these questions will be key to factor into your decision. If there’s a chance a couple will use the bed, think about going with a double (or double XL for extra length).
Shop seasonally if you can. There are times during the year that mattresses and beds will go on sale. If you’re on a budget but want to upgrade to a bigger bed, it might be worth waiting to make a purchase during that time. The Bed King often has bed specials all year round - view their available range and double bed offers online.

Overall
A single or single XL bed could be the perfect fit for a smaller child’s room or college dorm or hostel. But if you’re a couple, a double bed (double XL) will be a better fit thanks to the 38cm of extra space. Both are affordable and often go on sale around Back-To-School time, so it’s worth keeping your eye out during sales and seeing if you can score a great deal on either.

Article source: https://www.mattressclarity.com/blog/full-vs-twin-beds-know/

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The Humble History of Simmons Mattresses

6/19/2018

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Simmons Bedding Company is one of America’s oldest major mattress stores and manufacturers of mattresses and bedding products. Similar to many companies though, they had humble beginnings.

Founder Zalmon Simmons, a businessman based out of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was an entrepreneur with many interests. First, the owner of Kenosha’s general store. Besides that, he continued to own railway interests, a cheesebox factory, attempt to manufacture wooden telegraph insulators and be on the board of directors of the Western Union Telegraph Company. At one point, Zalmon even served as mayor of Kenosha and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. A man of many ventures, but the bedding company is his most famous.

In 1870, an inventor whose name was lost to time owed Simmons for merchandise purchased at his general store. Instead of money, the inventor gave him a patent for a woven wire bedspring mattress. Simmons took the patent and developed the techniques needed to produce the mattress.

The Northwestern Wire Mattress Co. launches in 1884 from Simmons, later to become the Simmons Manufacturing Company in 1889. Thanks to refining the manufacturing of his woven wire mattresses, he dropped the product price from $12 to a mere 95 cents. That way, he made sure anyone could afford a comfortable mattress to sleep on at night.

Simmons Manufacturing Company gained to national prominence when the founder’s son, Zalmon Simmons Jr., took over the company in 1911. The company became Simmons Co. in 1915. Known for having a flair for advertising and showmanship, he would boost the company’s profile by perfecting the innerspring mattress and making it readily available to the public. This would be the first of his Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses.

HELP FROM THE FAMOUS
Thanks to endorsements from Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and George Bernard Shaw, the mattresses catapulted to fame. They even receive a listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1924. For a time, Simmons became the biggest name in mattresses in the United States and was exploding into furniture and textiles.

Then the Great Depression came. The company’s stock dropped from $200 to less than three cents a share by 1932. Zalmon Simmons Jr.’s son, Grant Simmons Sr., took over in 1929 during this financial disaster and worked hard to build back up again.

Everything non-mattress related is then sold off. Hollywood stars and beautiful models start to advertise his mattresses. He even got the endorsement of Eleanor Roosevelt and furnished the White House with Beautyrest Mattresses. Even Air Force One was furnished with mattresses from Simmons, according to The New York Times.

WAR AID
By the time of the Second World War, they had recovered from the financial catastrophe. The company begins producing parachutes, cots and more for the war effort.

According to BedTimes Magazine, over 2,700 items to aid in the war were made by the 14 plants in North America.

After the war, the focus returned to mattresses and bedding. The family-owned company found continuous growth through until the 70’s.

The late 70’s and 80’s became hard for the mattress giant. The company moved their headquarters from New York City to Atlanta, GA. When money is lost in the 70’s, long-time CEO Grant decides to step down. Simmons Co. is bought and sold to a series of companies during the 80’s until it settles with Wesray Capital.

In an attempt to revitalize, Wesray Capital offered an employee stock ownership plan. Though the company still struggles with potential bankruptcy and legal action. From the same employees who found their stocks to be more worthless. Eventually, Westray had to sell to Merrill Lynch Capital Partners in 1991.

MORE MEMORABLE MATTRESS ADVERTISING
Revitalization came to the brand in the 90’s. Going back to their roots with memorable advertising for their Beautyrest Mattresses, as well as coming out with a new line, the BackCare Mattress. However, trades to various holding companies took its financial toll and saddled Simmons with an increasing debt load. It wasn’t until Ares Management, L.P. and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan bought Simmons and restructured their debt was there light at the end of the tunnel.

Today, Simmons remains part of Serta Simmons Holding, LLC, who also owns their chief rival Serta.
The mattress giant is responsible for many innovations in the mattress business. There was the innerspring mattress; previously a luxury handmade product refined over the years as the Beautyrest mattress and made accessible to the masses through their own manufacturing techniques. Celebrity endorsements were also unique for the mattress industry, and their 90’s advertisements showing a person dropping a bowling ball on a Beautyrest mattress without disturbing the neighboring pins showed how good the mattress could be.

As a testament to all of the resilience in the face of change, the Beautyrest mattress celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2015.

Make sure you get a Simmons night’s rest, every night - with a Simmons bed from The Bed King.

Article source: https://bedscapetown.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/the-humble-history-of-simmons-mattresses/

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What’s the big deal about latex pillows?

6/19/2018

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What’s so special about them compared to all the others on the market?
Buying a pillow is a bit like buying a new car in that it doesn’t matter what type you get, it will do its job. A pillow will help get you through the night and a car will help you get from A to B. For some transcendent folk it’s as simple as that. Any pillow will do, any car will do. ‘Where are the lentils, man?’ For most people though, it isn’t quite like that.
Everybody knows the difference between a Lada Riva and a Rolls Royce. They know that all Rollers are ever so comfortable and reliable and long lasting and a dream to drive. While the Lada only has heated rear windows so you can warm your hands while pushing - and doubles in value when you fill it with petrol.

Apart from the obvious fact that cars are expensive, over their lifetime the average driver will cover enough distance to take them to the moon and back 3 times and spend a total of 4.3 years sitting behind the wheel, so buyers tend to be discerning. They think about price range, quality, reliability, economy, comfort, size, shape, colour, aspiration and suitability; knowing that the more research and effort that goes into choosing, the greater the likelihood of ending up with the right car.

And so it should be for anything to do with your bed, which is where you spend a whopping 26 years of your life. 6 times longer than in your car. Good sleep is vital to the health and wellbeing of all living creatures. Bats are grumpy if they get less than 20 hours sleep per day, while giraffes are happy as Larry with only 2 hours per night. The ideal for gorillas is 10 hours, while we humans need 7 or 8 hours of quality sleep.

There are a number of things that determine the quality of your sleep. What you do during the day is important. Looking after yourself with a sensible diet and reasonable exercise is a good start. Unwinding before going to bed and keeping regular hours will also help. A quiet, well ventilated and dark bedroom is a must. But the real key to good sleep is your bed and bedding.

A good quality, really comfortable mattress that is supportive in all the right places to keep your spine in alignment is vital. Choosing bedding that keeps you at your ideal temperature all night long is also tremendously important. But the one ingredient that is often given little thought and yet will make all the difference in the world is your PILLOW.

A good pillow supports and cradles your head and neck and works in conjunction with the mattress at keeping your spine in alignment. A good pillow can also provide supreme comfort. A good pillow can be the icing on the cake that can turn a reasonable night’s sleep into superb, healthful sleep at comparatively little extra cost. Why on earth would you sleep on a Lada, when you can afford to sleep on a Rolls-Royce?

And here’s the thing – most people in Australia spend night after night trying to sleep on broken down old Ladas! For 26 years of their lives. They buy $10 pillows without really thinking about it. Or maybe pay $20 or even $30 for virtually the same pillow under a well-known brand label that advertises and promotes. They don’t think about what the pillow is made of, what is inside it, how much support will it provide, how long will it last, how high is it, how firm or soft is it, how healthful is it – and ultimately is this really the best value I can get for my money?

For most of my life I’ve slept on one model Lada after another. When I was a kid there wasn’t really any choice, my father worked for the British Colonial Service in what was then Tanganyika and we all slept on government issued kapok fill pillows and mattresses. Remember the ubiquitous old striped ticking design?

Actually this wasn’t such a bad pillow in that kapok is all natural, hypoallergenic and naturally antimicrobial – but it is lumpy and bumpy and flattens down, so offers poor support to the neck and shoulders. At boarding school aged 7, part of the morning ‘making the beds’ ritual was giving the pillows a good shake to get some loft back into them. Imagine 12 boys to a dormitory; the urge to pillow fight was too often irresistible, with kapok flying everywhere. And then big trouble from Matron McBride who was a lovely old duck, but handy with the strap.

Other popular fillings for pillows back then were also natural – cotton fibre and wool, both with similar properties to kapok - and feathers, which tended to include mainly larger feathers that scrunched and the quills poked through. Ouch.

Then, as I got into my teens, synthetic fibres invaded the world of pillows and have pretty much ruled ever since because, for less cost, synthetic fibres create more loft and comfort than natural fibres. The most commonly used fill fibre for pillows is polyester, which is produced directly from polymer, an oil derivative. Polymer is the end result of oil being ‘cracked’, then ‘oxidised’ with air, and hydrated.

Solid polyester fibre is quite dense and flattens quickly, so hollow fibre, imagine tiny miniature macaroni, was developed that resists flattening. From there companies like DuPont and Honeywell developed all kinds of polymer based fibres with two holes, three holes – all the way up to seven holes in each tiny fibre. Other innovations included siliconizing fibre in a bath treatment, to make it softer and further improve loft recovery; and crimping to make it frizzy. Fancy marketing names were applied to add extra sizzle. Think Dacron, Tencel, Modal, Coolmax, Tactel, Fortrel and most recently, Microfibre.

It was soon discovered that a big problem with fiberfill pillows is that they are a brilliant medium for cultivating bacteria. Almost unbelievably, after only 2 years use, over 30% of the weight of your pillow could be made up of bacteria, bed bugs, dust mites (and their faeces), fungi, mould and dead skin. How horrible. So manufacturers started spraying fibre with chemicals to combat bacteria, microbes and dust mites. Sanitized, Healthguard and Ultrafresh are well known registered brands of these chemicals, which vary in degrees of necessary toxicity - and are only effective for a limited amount of time anyway. The biggest pillow manufacturer in this country, Tontine, strongly recommends renewing fiberfill pillows every two years!

Today over 95% of pillows sold in Australia are synthetic fibre filled. Some fibres obviously perform better than others and this is reflected in the price, but health issues aside, all fiberfill pillows lose loft after about two years and may still be reasonably comfortable, but no longer provide the required support to your head and neck.

By now my career had taken me from 25 years running a clothing business to a sourcing role in homewares which involved finding suppliers for finished goods and raw material componentry for various products including mattresses, manchester, quilts and pillows – under some of the best known and most loved brand names in Australia.

We marketed pretty much every type of pillow there is and my wife was delighted we were afforded a golden opportunity to discard our horrible Lada’s to try sleeping on every Rolls Royce model pillow there is. I was also exposed to years of extensive pillow research – and what a revelation that was!

Once you go past fiberfill there are three pillow types that stand out as being superior. Feather and down, memory foam, and latex pillows. They are all significantly more expensive – but well worth taking the leap (like most people, something I probably would never have done had I had to pay normal retail price).

Feather and down makes a great pillow so long as it is good quality and the feathers have been properly processed to remove any odour. This entails washing in very hot water umpteen times (no toxic chemicals).The best of these have three chambers with lovely soft down at top and bottom for comfort, and the middle chamber filled with small feathers for loft. Feather is naturally antimicrobial so there is no need for any nasty chemicals. They retain height very well, but the only drawback is they do need to be regularly fluffed up.

Health professionals like memory foam pillows. They sink inwards with the weight of the head to create neutral skeletal alignment and reduce pressure points. Then, almost by memory, they slowly return to normal height. They are long lasting, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Manufacturers love talking about how memory foam was developed by NASA scientists for the comfort of astronauts during space travel. Fans love them.

I am not a fan. Memory foam is visco polyurethane – an oil derivative. They are heavy. People can have difficulty breathing through the nose because their heads sink in so far. Memory foam cannot breathe so sleeps hot and has a chemical odour. They are simply not for me.

I have a great love for my latex pillow. I can’t sleep properly without it and take it on holidays. It can breathe so sleeps cool. It is antimicrobial, dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic. It will perform as good as new for about 15 years. Most of all it is wonderfully supportive and comfortable. Choose the height and firmness that best suits and you are away. You won’t look back. Trust me. Or if you don’t want to trust me, ask your chiropractor. The Bed King offers the best latex pillows to give you the best benefits of latex pillows.

Article source: https://www.tlclatexpillows.com.au/blog/Whats_the_deal/

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MATTRESS FOR YOUR AGING BODY

5/23/2018

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As we get older, we learn to put up with life’s little aches and pains. Even if we have avoided major injuries and chronic health conditions, we probably feel a little stiff from time to time. “It’s ok…” we think to ourselves. “That’s just a part of aging.”

The problem with this perspective is that it often prevents us from taking the necessary steps that could help us to improve our well-being after 60. This is especially true when it comes to our sleep.
For example, because of the way that the aging process is portrayed in movies and on TV, many of us have the false belief that disturbed sleep is “normal” for older adults. We may even think that we don’t need as much sleep as we used to. After all, if we still needed 7-8 hours sleep, why would we wake up at 4:30am?

The truth is that poor sleep is not an inevitable part of getting older. In my other sleep articles, I have discussed the dietary and environmental changes that you can make to sleep better. Now, I’d like to talk about the single most important piece of furniture in your house – your mattress.

Is a Good Mattress a “Luxury” or a “Necessity?”

There is no doubt that managing your budget is difficult after 60. This is especially true for those of us who are living on a pension or working part-time. As a result, our purchasing patterns tend to shift away from “luxuries” and towards “necessities.”

This approach is perfectly rational. The only challenge comes when we mix up the two categories. For example, I know people my age who insist on having a car, even though they rarely use it. Many of these people insist that they don’t have money for a new mattress, even though they are suffering from lower back pain and wake up feeling miserable.

I’m not saying that you should sell your car and buy a new mattress. I’m simply saying that good sleep is not a luxury. As a result, you may want to re-prioritize the most important item of furniture in your house – your mattress and be on the look-out for Bed specials.

That said, how do you know if you even need a new mattress? The best answer to this question is that you need to listen to your body. Do you wake up stiff and sore? Does your lower back feel worse in the morning than in the evening? Is your mattress 10+ years old? If so, it may be worth considering a new mattress.

5 Mattress Types to Consider After 60

Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have many features that appeal to those of us in our 60s. For starters, they tend to do a good job of evenly distributing your weight. This helps to reduce pressure points and may prevent you from disturbing your partner – and vise-versa. On the other hand, memory foam mattresses, can be a bit on the warm side. So, if like many women in our community, you still suffer from night sweats, they may not be the best option.

Innerspring mattresses are one of the most popular types of mattress. They’ve been around for ages and there are tons of options to choose from. Getting an extremely high-end innerspring mattress, with an abundance of coils, won’t necessarily give you a better night’s sleep than a mid-range mattress. That said, if you are sleeping on an old innerspring mattress, it may not have enough coils to support your weight evenly.

If your health professional has told you to try a firmer mattress, a latex mattress may be a good option. These mattresses have many of the properties of memory foam mattresses, but, they tend to be a bit firmer. If you suffer from back pain and are worried about overheating at night, a latex mattress may be the best way to go.

Do you and your partner have very different mattress needs? Then, you may want to consider an air mattress. These mattresses use inflatable chambers and can provide very different conditions for each partner. If you choose an air mattress, make sure that make it firm enough. Otherwise, you may inadvertently make your back pain worse!

Adjustable beds are a good option if you can’t get comfortable lying flat. Most of the women in our community don’t have trouble getting out of bed yet, but, this is something that may happen as we get a little older. If you suffer from sleep apnea or acid reflux, talk to your doctor about whether an adjustable bed might help.

Getting the Most from Your Trip to the Mattress Store

At the end of the day, there is no “best” mattress for older adults. Each of our bodies is different. Once you have an idea of the types of mattress that may be good for you, it’s time to venture out to your local mattress store. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your visit.

First, spend a few minutes thinking about how you sleep. If you haven’t already, start a sleep diary. This can help you to get in touch with your sleep patterns. Are there specific parts of your body that hurt in the morning? Are you suffering from any specific medical conditions? Have you talked to your doctor about what kind of bed might work best for you? Write down the answers to these questions to make your shopping experience easier.

Next, decide how much you can spend on a new mattress. While it is important to get a high-quality mattress, spending more will not always guarantee better results. As WebMD points out, “Salespeople may try to sell you on the idea that more coils mean more comfort, but that’s not necessarily true.”
Finally, take your time. If you can, avoid shopping for a mattress on the weekend. Go during a quiet time, when you can try out each bed without too much pressure. When you lie down on a bed, get into multiple sleeping positions. Don’t feel like you need to hop up after a few minutes. This may be the most important purchasing decision that you will make all year.

Don’t Leave Your Sleep to Chance

Broken sleep is not “normal” after 60. At the same time, as we get a little older, sleeping peacefully requires a proactive approach. We may need to deal with the medical complaints that are keeping us up at night. We may also need to make small adjustments to our diet or sleep environment. If you sleep on an old mattress, or wake up stiff and sore, it may be time for a change!

If you think you need a new mattress - visit The Bed King and find out more about their bed specials.

Article source: https://bedssleepscience.tumblr.com/post/174177794911/how-to-choose-the-best-mattress-for-your-aging-body

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What Does Your Mattress Say About You?

5/4/2018

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Sleep is the new luxury and your bed has become a fetish object

I last purchased a mattress about six years ago. As I remember, it required a five-minute waltz around the British homewares store John Lewis, a bit of bouncing and some fairly animated discussion about springs per square centimetre vis-à-vis memory foam which, at the time, was considered rather common. Some were stuffed with horse hair or wool, which in days gone by would have required restuffing or “carding” by an experienced professional.

I walked away with something that cost the same as a second-hand car and strict instructions that I must turn it every month in order to preserve its unique temper. Needless to say, it hasn’t moved a millimetre since being hauled up the stairs and onto the bed frame.

I never expected to give any further thought to mattresses, but lately I have found myself besieged with urgent information on the subject. Every Tube carriage proliferates with signage advertising conical pocket springs, promising “the best night’s sleep of your life”; every podcast is interrupted by some sponsor blathering on about “Airgocell layers” and “viscoelastic memory foam”. I stay in glamorous hotels that offer “pillow menus”, and make decidedly non-glamorous stops in motels that boast of their “king-size Hypnos beds”.

Could it be that other people are getting a better night’s sleep than I? And on cheaper bedding, too? This has piqued my full attention.

The great mattress disruption probably began with the advent of start-ups such as the US-based Casper, and the UK’s Eve and Simba, all promising cheaper, sleep-optimised technologies in straight-to-consumer businesses, part of a drive to crack what is estimated to be a $15bn market. Sales have been brisk. Casper, which launched in 2014, has seen its revenues triple to $300m in its first three years and has since launched pillows and dog beds. According to Forbes, online mattress sales could soon account for more than 10 per cent of the market.

It’s telling that even a mattress, that dull old lump of sponge, is now an essential chapter in our ‘story’

Likewise, the beauty industry is burgeoning with sprays, potions and unguents designed to aid better sleep. Fashion has become newly taken with “loungewear” — another word for pyjamas worn during the day — which has been identified as one of the fastest-growing categories by the luxury retailer Matches.com.

The subject — and science — of sleep has possessed our cultural lives, too. Arianna Huffington has built a second empire based on her TED talk and now bestselling book The Sleep Revolution, in which she advocates for eight hours sleep by eliminating mobile phones from her “sleep sanctuary” (or bedroom) and lighting candles instead. And there are a bazillion new sleep aids, apps and gizmos designed to facilitate swift passage to the land of nod. They even gave the Nobel Prize to those dudes who unlocked the chronotype, elucidating the inner workings of the biological clock, and excusing our habit for sleeping until midday as part of our genetic birthright.

At a time when we’re getting less of it than ever, sleep has become a very sexy subject — the bed a fetish object. The “Sleep in America” survey, conducted in 2008, found that 44 per cent of those polled weren’t getting the average of seven hours and 18 minutes sleep a night they needed to feel “their best”. The UK-based Sleep Council says a third of Britons survive on five to six hours sleep a night.

But hang on a second. The temptation to cast westerners as the woefully sleep-deprived victims of a capitalist culture that allows us no rest seems a bit rich, does it not? We’re not working down the mines any more, after all, or currently being shelled. Moreover, a good part of this new sleep obsession is actually being funded by the very agencies flogging us the sleep aids in the first place.

In 2015, Casper, the mattress company, launched a media offshoot called Van Winkle’s to “make sleep journalism a thing”. According to Jeff Chapin, co-founder and chief product officer at Casper, their objective was not only to sell mattresses but to start a “narrative” so that sleep became “part of a lifestyle”. Last month Van Winkle’s was wound down to re-emerge as Woolly, an online magazine about comfort and modern life which, according to a spokesperson, “emerged from Casper’s founding philosophy that sleep — in addition to food and fitness — is the third pillar of wellness.”

Creating a narrative is one of the weirder, more pernicious trends in recent years, affecting everything we buy, from bananas to handbags. It’s telling that even a mattress, that dull old lump of sponge on which you throw yourself each night, has become an essential chapter in our “story” — something we’re willing to pay for because it expresses some aspect of a lifestyle we hadn’t realised needed expressing until now. Sleep, once considered to be a basic life-sustaining necessity, a daily event that, unless one suffers from insomnia or small children, occurs as naturally and inevitably as blinking has now become a commodified, luxury experience.

Here’s another story. It’s quite short but I think it too could transform your own sleep narrative. Want to get more shut-eye? Try going to bed a bit earlier and research the best beds available. The Bed King have a marvelous variety of beds - there’s bound to be one to suit your needs, as well as your pocket.

Article source: https://www.ft.com/content/92242fbe-eff0-11e7-b220-857e26d1aca4

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Supersize My Sleep: What to Choose When King Size Isn’t Enough

2/21/2018

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When bigger, better, faster, stronger seems to be the mantra for our age it stands to reason that Bedpost too has to step up to the supersize-me generation.

Our seven-stage mattress and bed size chart has long been enough for the typical Kiwi household, but more of our stores are getting requests for something a little extra throughout all our ranges.
Because we’re New Zealand’s sleep specialists, of course we have a range of answers, from totally bespoke to the impressive two metre x two metre california king size beds – and, what’s more, we can troubleshoot any requests and ensure that you don’t sacrifice comfort and a healthy night’s sleep just for size.

Bedpost Hasting’s owner Michael White says he’s hearing more and more requests for california king size mattresses and beds.

“I’ve literally just ordered one today – a big california king bed in the very top end of the Beautyrest range,” he says. “And you see it more and more, whereas 20 years ago when someone bought a regular king size bed it was a pretty big purchase, but over the past 10 years we’re starting to see a few more big beasts – and really big beasts too!

“A california king is effectively 2m square, which has some big bonuses because you can turn around in all the angles and utilise the whole surface whereas in a superking you can only really make the most of its size in that one direction.”

The key elements to remember when supersizing your mattress choice, according to Michael, are:

Make sure your bedroom can take it. Although Michael sees a lot of customers from rural New Zealand who have large homes with large four-five metre bedrooms (“sometimes a king size bed just looks tiny in some of those big bedrooms”), some of the new builds – especially in cities – aren’t designing bedrooms that can accommodate huge beds.
Make sure you can get it to the bedroom. Again, it’s one thing carrying a california king size mattress into a wide, country-style villa or home, it’s a whole different matter finding a way to get it to a fifth-floor apartment.
Make sure you can get linen to fit. Michael says he always talks customers through their potential linen choices because it’s not always the sort of thing you can pick up in your local department store.
Make the most of the flexibility of buying Kiwi-made. Because more than 90% of Bedpost products are New Zealand-made, you really can trust our experts to find the precise product you want in whatever size you require. Michael says that the great working relationships all the stores have with bed frame suppliers, for example, means that it’s simply a matter of phoning them up and placing the order.

At The Bed King, we understand that there’s plenty of choice when it comes to choosing mattresses – even at the supersized end of the market. And so that’s why all the sleep experts at all our stores throughout the country are clued up to help you find something that both fits your home and your lifestyle, and gives you a healthy, comfortable night’s rest.

“We find that customers might go to a variety of other stores and have discussions about their largest mattresses but they still don’t know all the key factors to consider prior to making that final decision,”
“And that’s the strength and what we believe in at The Bed King: we’ll find all those answers for you. The important thing is just to ask because we’re a group of people who have a fair whack of knowledge and the right contacts which enable us to get these sort of things done.”

If you want more information on finding the best and largest bed for your home, contact The Bed King and head on in and enjoy our stunning customer service. If you’re just looking at various king sized beds - The Bed King have a wide range of king sized beds available.

Article source: http://gloriousbedrooms.postach.io/post/supersize-my-sleep-what-to-choose-when-king-size-isnt-enough

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Best Beds for Apartments: Maximising Space and Storage

2/21/2018

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Hardly a week goes past in New Zealand without us being reminded that how and where we live is changing dramatically from the traditional quarter-acre section, to modern apartment blocks and townhouses.

In Auckland 343 apartments have been completed in 2017 and a further 873 CBD units are under construction and due to be finished this year, and judging from the response to a bed-exhibitor stand at the Auckland Home Show in September, it’s clear that many Kiwis are coming to terms with some of the lifestyle changes required when you have to be more economical about your living space.

Bedpost franchisor Julia Doak says most of the interest from those who visited the Auckland Home Show was in “beds that have added functionality” – ie beds that include storage.

“This is new territory for many New Zealanders,” Julia says. “People are always nervous about the amount of storage they’re going to have when they live in an apartment, so utilising the space under the mattress makes complete sense.”

As well as choosing a bed frame with space under the mattress, as opposed to a mattress and base, the main two options for purpose-built storage when it comes to modern bed design is either in-frame draws.

Retailing for around R13000 for the queen size base, the Brooks frame is perfect for apartment living:

It comes flat-pack so it is easy transported up stairs or via elevators to be assembled in the bedroom.
It is aesthetically designed with built-in headboard and the perfect “hideaway” storage space to cut out the clutter.
It is extremely compact, coming in a range of sizes which are essentially the same footprint as the mattress.
It is extremely durable with Julia saying they’ve purposefully over-engineered its capacity so that it is able to support any style or size of mattress people choose to put on it.

The key elements to choosing a bed for apartment or townhouse living are all centred around space and access so don’t be surprised that when you come in to The Bed King store to choose a style of bed and mattress, that’s one of the main things that our sleep specialists will talk to you about.

It’s important to come fore-armed with information about the size of your bedroom so you know what size bed is suitable for the space, but, unless you’re keen to hire a crane to lift a bed in though an upstairs window, it also pays to know what size frame, base and mattress is capable of getting through all the doors, stairways, corridors and elevators usually associated with apartment blocks.

“When someone has a single level home then access is rarely a problem,” Julia says. “But even the best penthouse apartments usually have to use the same elevator as everyone else and that’s where the challenges can be.”

The main issue is with queen size bases. Sizes below that – say double beds at 188cm at its longest – usually fit, and kings and superkings come with split bases anyway. One option for a 203cm queen size is to choose a lower profile base, which makes it easier to get through doorways and into the bedroom.

“With mattresses,” says Julia, “it’s easier to manipulate them around corners but you can’t do that with a big wooden piece of furniture so it’s important to know that a bed will fit before buying it and organising delivery.”

If you are one of the growing number of people living in an apartment and you are planning to buy a new bed or mattress, you can visit The Bed King to see what would fit into your space, get expert advice on mattress sizes, double beds on offer and more.

Article source: http://bedsmattressesjohannesburg.blogspot.co.za/2018/02/best-beds-for-apartments-maximising-space-and-storage.html

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