Enchanted by Beautiful Bedrooms
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Double vs. Single Beds: What Should You Know?

9/20/2018

0 Comments

 
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
Picture
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.
Picture
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/

​
0 Comments

The Humble History of Simmons Mattresses

6/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
​
Picture
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.
​
Picture
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/
​
0 Comments

What’s the big deal about latex pillows?

6/19/2018

0 Comments

 

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.

Picture
Picture
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?
Picture
Picture
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! 
​
Picture
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/

​
0 Comments

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MATTRESS FOR YOUR AGING BODY

5/23/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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
0 Comments

What Does Your Mattress Say About You?

5/4/2018

0 Comments

 
Sleep is the new luxury and your bed has become a fetish object
Picture
Marilyn Monroe © REX/Shutterstock
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​
0 Comments

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

2/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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
0 Comments

Best Beds for Apartments: Maximising Space and Storage

2/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
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
0 Comments

The Importance of Mattress Protectors

1/18/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
We have all been in the situation when we have bought a new pair of
shoes and the salesperson tries to sell additional sprays, polishes,
shoe-guards and various other accessories. We might compare this type
of “upselling” to acquiring a brand new mattress. If the product is
completely satisfactory and to our exact specifications, why should we
spend more money getting a protector for it?
​
The fact is, it is a false economy NOT to invest in a mattress protector. It really is
the equivalent of going out in the rain without an umbrella – put
simply, you will end up regretting it!

Protecting your Warranty as Well as your Mattress

A new mattress will come with a warranty. The main purpose of the
warranty is to protect the consumer from any defects in the
construction. This covers a variety of issues: for example, maybe the
mattress will start to sag. If it dips in the middle, without anyone
being on it, up to or beyond an inch in measurement, then you have a
right to make a claim.

Broken coils are another possible problem. These may work their way out
through the fabric and poke out. The stitching on the seams can come
undone, or a foam topping can end up being bunched up and
uncomfortable. Any of these physical defects can be used to validate
the warranty and obtain a replacement. However, the warranty will be
null and void if the mattress has a stain on it. 

Yes, a legitimate claim cannot be accepted if there is any mark or
stain on the mattress whatsoever. You may think you are extremely
careful, never spill a drink in bed, nor sweat heavily, but you would
be amazed how moisture can seep through after many nights of regular
use. Liquids can wear down the fabrics of the mattress wadding. And it
is not simply perspiration: our bodies also excrete oils, they shed
skin cells, and they may leave traces of make-up, saliva, or blood.
A standard bed sheet is no barrier to these excretions going straight
through to the mattress underneath. The minerals and salts in these
leaks dry out and discolour, and we end up sleeping on top of these
ugly stains. The only solution is to fit a mattress protector that
absorbs these fluids, which can then be taken off and washed
separately. This will keep the life of the mattress in a “good-as-new”
state for a great deal longer, and preserve the date of the warranty.

Protection from Dust Mites

Another huge benefit to a mattress protector is that they create a
shield against dust mites. Allergies to these little critters can cause
all sorts of problems, from a runny nose to wheezing and shortness of
breath. If you don’t fit a mattress protector, your dead skin cells
will drop down onto the mattress itself, and dust mites will feed on
these. It is not a pleasant thought, but luckily there is an effective
way to prevent it, and that is the quick and easy fitting of a
protector. Without one, the mattress can effectively become a breeding
ground for mould and bacteria, and if left undisturbed those dust mites
will multiply.
By the way, a mattress protector should not be confused with a mattress
pad or topper. A
protector is a very thin layer that does not change the feel of the
mattress at all, and is often waterproofed. A pad, on the other
hand, creates another layer of padding, as does a topper. Ideally, if
your mattress is carefully chosen to suit your needs, you won’t need
any additional help to make it comfortable.

How to Choose your Mattress Protector

So what type of protector should you choose? You want the protector to
have the ability to wick away the moisture and heat emanating from the
body. A breathable fabric is the best for this. Less expensive options
feel more like plastic, and are not as breathable, but they are still
waterproof. Some people are concerned that a waterproof protector will
be crinkly and hot to sleep on. As long as the material used is at
least partially breathable, this should not be a concern. Polyurethane
(PU) is a waterproof membrane which is undetectable when you lie on it.
Actual plastic or rubber should be avoided, as these materials do not
allow the air to circulate, and therefore they can lead to overheating.
Mattress protectors on every bed in the home really are a necessity to
guard against stains and dust mites and to prolong the life and health
of the mattress and those who sleep on it. A stained mattress cannot be
exchanged, and this would be a great shame if for any reason you had a
legitimate reason to need to redeem the warranty. When buying a new
mattress, do not hesitate to purchase a protector at the same time, and
put it on as soon as you get home. You won’t even know it’s there, but
it will be providing an invaluable service.

Be sure to visit The Bed King for your mattress protectors to ensure your mattress has a better chance against dust mites and retains its warranty! The Bed King offers mattress protectors for all bed sizes!

Article source: http://bedsmattressesjohannesburg.blogspot.co.za/2018/01/the-importance-of-mattress-protectors.html

​
0 Comments

Does Choosing a Good Quality Mattress for your Hotel or Guesthouse give you a Headache?

10/16/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Travelers, or visitors pay your hotel for the quality of contentment and satisfaction you provide them with. When designing a five star hotel for the tourists, you must consider all the aspects of luxury which your guests might be looking for. When constructing one such hotel, or a guest house, just make sure you include all factors in it, which pledges your visitor to return at your place again and again.
​
In order to appeal the vacationers, the tourist industry must create the residential areas in such a way that it captivates its audience in all manners. When people plan for a vacation, they are actually looking for a home away from home. In order to maintain the standard of a five-star hotel, your choice of choosing a good quality mattress needs to be given high priority. People want to have a relaxing sleep; no matter what other services are! They will not bare any sort of compromise with their sleep.

Does choosing the best bed add significance to your hotel?
Choosing a good quality mattress for a five-star hotel is not that hectic job, as you assume it to be! Just remember that the amount you spend on buying a good quality mattress will surely add a plus point to your hotel. So, beds are an important investment, which requires a great deal of attention. However, if you do make a bad choice of beds, you will be more prone to more frequent guests’ complaints. This is due to the reason that a good quality mattress is actually considered as the most essential component of the hotel experience.

Which Size of Beds to look for?
The size of the beds you go for will normally represent the class of your hotel, or resort. In this regard, king sized beds and queen sized beds are the best choice. The standard dimensions for king sized beds are considered as 193 x 203cm, while for the queen sized beds they are 152 x 188cm. In this field some leading mattress manufacturers are Simmons, Cloud Nine, Genessi, Edblo and Rest Assured. If you are intending to buy good quality mattresses for hotels in bulk, make sure you invest such massive amount in the right manner. Surf online for the best brands, and look for the best prices of beds for hotels. In order to spend your finances effectively, looking for a sale on the beds for hotels is a wise option.

What is the use of a Pillow Top Mattress in Hotels?​
Picture
Looking for 5-Star luxury hotel mattresses? Don’t forget to purchase 5-Star hotel pillow top mattresses, along with other mattresses. These mattresses enhance the overall feeling, by making it much softer and thus relaxing. They are specifically manufactured for hotels, guest houses and hospitality industry. The main distinctive feature of this product is that it carries temperature-sensitive foam, which fully adjusts according to its user’s body. Moreover, it also helps to disperse the body weight evenly, thus reducing the frequent complains of back pains. This is surely beneficial for your hotel, as visitors will no longer complain about their discomforts due to back pains.

Some widely used Hotel Mattresses
One of the most exciting mattresses for your hotel is Memory foam mattress. The main reason of its popular usage in hotels is that it carries some weight-distributing sponges. This helps minimize back pains, and ensures a comfortable sleep. Moreover, they are also designed in such a manner that it adjusts with the user’s movements. This ensures proper maintenance of spinal alignments. One of the greatest advantages of buying a stock of these luxurious mattresses is that they are specifically designed to relieve pain from the key pressure points. This will surely make your tourists comment on the satisfying night they spent at your place. They will feel more energetic and vigorous, and this will add a plus point to your service.
​
Some other good quality mattresses you must check on are the Serta, Restonic, Silentnight and Fabbro. All these mattresses are previously used by many renowned hotels because of their positive feedbacks. Tourists will surely fall in love with these beds, and will tend to prefer your place again. So, don’t hesitate when buying a good quality mattress for your hotel, as mattresses are one the most essential component of your hotel. Visitors always look for a comfortable bed to sleep on, during their tour. Thus, investing today in some ostentatious beds will grant greater incomes tomorrow.

Mattress Warehouse
For further details of buying your desired mattresses, Mattress Warehouse provides a selection of quality brands. In this premium online shopping site, you can easily get all the details about the type of bed you are looking for. Through this online shopping site, you can examine and compare all the features of the beds you are looking for. You just need to surf the website, and make your choice. For direct queries, you can contact 0861007000, or you can even email the admin for further delivery procedure of beds and for expert advice from the Mattress Warehouse.
In this particular site, you can frequently check for the top quality beds for sale. Moreover, you can also have the privilege to examine the best prices on beds for various brands. By comparing their features and prices, you will have more chances for buying a good quality mattress for your hotel.
This site includes all the top quality brands of beds, which you might be looking for your hotels. Some of these are Cloud Nine, Edblo, Simmons, Genessi and Rest Assured . Moreover, the 24/7 service of the educated sleep consultants will guide you to the best of their abilities. They will let you know about the best prices of beds for hotels, and also about the sale on the beds for hotels. You might be missing out these things when looking for a good quality mattress for your hotel. So, taking expert advice from Bed King will surely count on a plus point when desiring to construct a lavishing hotel. Check out the wide variety of mattresses on offer at Bed King.

Article source: https://bedscapetown.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/does-choosing-a-good-quality-mattress-for-your-hotel-or-guesthouse-give-you-a-headache/
0 Comments

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LATEX MATTRESS?

8/2/2017

0 Comments

 
Latex mattresses are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. You may be wondering what a latex mattress is and what it will offer you in terms of your sleep.
Picture
What is latex?
Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and possesses elasticity. It is this elasticity which allows the mattress to conform pleasantly to your body shape. Those who have slept on a latex mattress report that it feels wonderfully soft at first touch, but 'firms up' as your body settles deeper, giving the body full support. It is no surprise then that many people with musculoskeletal ailments such as back pain find relief with a latex mattress.
Picture
The benefits of a latex mattress
A latex mattress offers you many benefits and a high quality sleep experience, explaining its popularity.

The first of these benefits is its unique balance of soft comfort with proper support for your spine. A latex mattress is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria without the use of added chemicals, and this benefit appeals to many people.

Also, excellent air circulation is provided by the open-cell natural structure of latex and by pinhole patterns purposefully created during manufacturing. This allows for good breathability, resulting in a comfortable sleeping temperature. This is important in warm humid climates such as that of Singapore.

An additional benefit of a latex mattress is that it does not transmit movement easily, meaning that if you sleep with a partner, you won't feel their movements on your side of the bed.

Superb body pressure distribution properties also means that latex mattresses are frequently recommended by medical professionals such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and osteopaths.

Last but certainly not least, it's important to note that latex mattresses are one of the most highly durable mattress types available. If you are going to be purchasing a mattress, it makes financial sense to purchase a very long-lasting one.

What type of latex mattress do I need?

There are many different types of latex mattress. However, in general, they can be differentiated and compared in the following ways:
  • natural latex mattress vs synthetic-natural blended latex mattress
  • all-latex mattress vs latex combined with other materials mattress

and the 2 processes
  • Dunlop process
  • Talalay process

While these questions could each require considerable further discussion, there are some generally accepted rules of thumb about them.

When it comes to all-natural latex versus a blend with synthetic latex, the all-natural is considered the better option if you are the type of person who strongly believed in buying products with its raw material deriving from nature, not made or caused by humankind. However, a synthetic-natural blended latex mattress is not necessary inferior compared to a natural latex mattress. To achieve the perfect combination, as well as consistency, for both comfort and support, some leading manufacturers continue to produce synthetic-natural blended latex mattresses. Just like when shopping for a new natural latex mattress, make sure that the synthetic-natural blended latex mattress you are buying has also undergone various stringent tests and has achieved certifications of international standards. Likewise, when comparing 100% latex versus latex plus other materials, the 100% latex is considered better. This is mainly due to the 'other materials' typically made use of polyurethane foam as part of its mattress core, which has a tendency to emit an unpleasant chemical smell. Moreover, 100% latex mattress enjoys all the advantages explained above this article.

The Dunlop and the Talalay processes refer to the two alternative ways that the latex is processed to create mattresses. In that instance, there is no 'superior' or 'inferior' option, but instead the two methods simply result in different mattress properties. The major differences you should be aware of when shopping is that the Dunlop process tends to produce a firmer mattress. In contrast, the Talalay process creates a softer mattress. There is no right or wrong. Ultimately, it comes down to which mattress feels most comfortable for you.

How can I be certain of finding the perfect latex mattress?

With the different types of latex mattress described above, you may be thinking that finding the perfect mattress sounds complicated. Fortunately, all you have to remember is that your comfort is the key. You can only do this by trying out the mattress yourself. Reputable mattress shops will allow you a free in-home trial of your mattress for up to 30 days, which helps ensure you find the perfect mattress. If the mattress does not suit you, you can change it out for a softer or firmer one, for example.

You spend more time on your mattress than on any other piece of furniture, so it's worth it for you to explore your options when mattress shopping. Don't feel rushed into making a purchase. Ask questions, a reputable mattress seller should be properly knowledgeable about the product he or she is selling.

Regardless of whether you are simply replacing an old mattress, looking to relieve back pain, or seeking to enhance your overall wellbeing, a latex mattress will leave you feeling refreshed and rested. Shop around at bed retailers in your area such as The Bed King, Dreams, Mattress King and the likes.

Article source: ​​http://gloriousbedrooms.postach.io/post/what-are-the-benefits-of-latex-mattress
0 Comments
<<Previous
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact