Blog for Beds and Mattresses

If you want an insight into somebody’s true personality, then try to catch a glimpse of the way they sleep. Scientists believe the position in which a person goes to sleep provides an important clue about the kind of person they are.

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service in the UK, has analysed six common sleeping positions – and found that each is linked to a particular personality type.

“We are all aware of our body language when we are awake but this is the first time we have been able to see what our subconscious posture says about us.

“What’s interesting is that the profile behind the posture is often very different from what we would expect.”

• The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

• Log (15%): Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

• The yearner (13%): People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

• Soldier (8%): Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

• Freefall (7%): Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don’t like criticism, or extreme situations.

• Starfish (5%): Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don’t like to be the centre of attention. The remainder of those in the poll said the position they fell asleep varied or did not know.

How do you sleep in bed?

Do you remember the last time you got a really great night’s sleep? Was it a year or more ago? Perhaps it wasn’t even in your own bed. Where were you? A hotel? Your favorite easy chair?

All too often, the answer is somewhere other than your own bed. But, you should be getting your best night’s sleep on your own mattress.
If you find you’re not sleeping as well as you should in your own bed, you may want to consider that your mattress and foundation could be robbing you of sleep. It may be time for a new mattress if:

• You wake up with pain, stiffness, or soreness
• You are not sleeping as well as you were a year ago
• You had your best night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed
• Your mattress shows visible signs of wear and tear

Too often, people are unaware that their mattress is no longer meeting their needs. You can avoid sleepless nights by carefully evaluating the comfort and support of your sleep set twice a year to make sure your personal comfort preferences are still being met.

If you’re still not sure whether your mattress is stealing your sleep, visit our store and compare the different mattress choices we have available.

Mattress Life Span

Your mattress won’t last forever. A combination of factors works together to determine how long your mattress will provide optimum comfort and support.

It’s All About You

• Lifestyle. Changes in lifestyle, such as moving into a new home or getting married, may call for a change in your mattress.
• Your Body. As we age, our bodies change. What was comfortable and supportive when you were 25 may not meet your needs when you’re 35 or 45. Likewise, the amount of space that’s right for a six-year-old may not be enough for a 16-year-old. Make sure that every mattress in your home meets the sleeper’s current needs for comfort, support, and space.

It’s Also About Your Mattress

• Age. Don’t look to the age of your mattress or the warranty to determine whether it’s time for a new mattress. Neither are indicators of how long your mattress will maintain optimum comfort and support.
• Quality. A poor-quality mattress set can deteriorate quickly, while top-quality sets can provide comfort and support for a number of years.
• Use. A mattress set that is used nightly or that gets more of a workout (e.g., you watch television or read in bed) will lose its comfort and support more quickly than a set that is used less often, such as a guest room bed.

How did you sleep last night? You spend more time with your PILLOW than you probably realize. The correct pillow can make a big difference in getting a good night’s sleep, so be sure to select the one that is perfect for you.

All pillows are not created equal. Almost 1/3 of our life is spent sleeping; choosing the right pillow is important to ensure you always get a good night’s rest.

When purchasing your new pillow here are a few things you should consider:

1. FILL/PILLOW TYPE

• Natural Fill Pillow: Natural fill is feather, down, or a combination of both. Down is not a feather. It’s the fluffy insulation under the feathers that keep ducks and geese warm and protected from outdoor elements. These natural fills are best for conforming to your head and neck. The higher the grams of fill, the more loft the pillow will have, and the more durable the pillow will be. Note: Natural fill pillows labeled “allergy free” have been sanitized of all impurities that typically affect allergy sufferers.

• Synthetic Fill Pillow: This is a man-made fill, usually polyester. Synthetic pillows typically have a shorter life span and will not conform to the head and neck as well as a natural fill pillow. They are hypo-allergenic and, overall, the most affordable type of bed pillows.

• Microfibere Fill Pillow: This is a type of synthetic fill in which polyester clusters are coated with silicone to feel and move like down. It gives the softness and appeal of a true down pillow without the cost. Great for allergy sufferers who prefer synthetic fill but want down-like comfort.

• Memory Foam Pillow: These are dense, sponge-like pillows that mold around the head and neck for extra support. Best for sleepers who prefer a firm pillow. Memory foam contour pillows are also good for people with neck and spine issues.

2. SUPPORT

• Back Sleeper: Back sleepers need a medium support pillow that will support the natural curvature of the upper spine, providing support under the head, neck and shoulders.

• Side Sleeper: Side sleepers need something that contours and cradles the neck, providing an even sleeping surface.

• Stomach Sleeper: Stomach sleepers need a soft pillow so that the head and neck aren’t turned unnaturally to either side.

3. COVER

Better pillows will have a quality fabric cover with a high thread count. Thread count represents the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Higher thread count covers will be softer, but more importantly, will keep the fill from getting out and impurities from getting in. Some pillow covers are additionally treated with fabric protection that makes them stain and water repellent as well as anti-microbial.

Some pillows may be dry clean only, but most pillows are machine washable, even down. Check the tag for directions before you rip it off your pillow. The most important factor is that they are dried completely. Any dampness left in the pillow will cause mold to form. If your pillow is fluffy without clumps, it’s dry.

It is advised to wash your pillows on the gentle cycle with a gentle detergent. Run it through a second time without detergent, or use your extra rinse cycle to get it all out. Dry it on a low setting until completely dry (three to four hours), and throw a tennis ball in with it. It may make for a noisier ride, but it helps to produce a fluffier pillow. An added treat is to spritz the tennis ball with your favorite scent.

Even though you will use a pillowcase, every pillow should have a pillow protector. This will act as a barrier against impurities and help prolong the life of your pillow. Look for a high thread count in the protector as well.

Mattress Protectors are an often overlooked, yet essential element on your bed. When you purchase a new bed it’s important to protect it, as you’ll have the bed for a number of years. They serve many purposes, from protecting your mattress to keeping the sheets on the bed.
It is definitely a necessity, not a luxury item.

The most effective type of mattress protector is 100% cotton and fits the mattress like a fitted sheet. A fitted mattress protector covers both the top and sides of the mattress and resembles a fitted sheet with elastic around the sides of the protector. It will be quilted only on the top of the pad and will provide a good fit for most standard-sized mattresses.

Cotton mattress protectors are the most desirable as being made of a natural fibre. Also available are waterproof and miteguard mattress protectors. Miteguard mattress protectors fit over the entire mattress with a zip enclosure at one end. They are especially designed for those with extreme allergies or asthma and will protect your mattress from dustmites. They are also machine washable.

All mattress protectors are machine washable and can be washed less frequently than your sheets.

Below are some commonly asked questions, which may help choosing your mattress protector.

• If my mattress is extra deep, which mattress protector should I buy?

The majority of mattress protectors especially those like fitted sheets have a generous sidewall which will fit all mattresses.

• My mattress isn’t comfortable. Will a mattress protector help?

A mattress protector won’t fix an uncomfortable mattress. You may consider purchasing a mattress topper which may help a little however if the mattress is no longer giving you support it may be best to purchase a new mattress.

• Can I wash my mattress protector?

Yes, you can wash your mattress protector. Check the washing instructions on the packaging or on the protector before you wash.

You can purchase our mattress protectors online or visit us instore. At bed we have a great range of mattress protectors.

There are essentially two main mattress constructions – those with springs and those without springs.

Mattresses with springs – Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most popular and familiar type of mattress today. The coils and wires called the innerspring unit provide support while, the upholstery or comfort layers made up of foam, padding and fibres provide cushioning. There are two types of innerspring mattresses:

Open Spring
This is the most common type of spring system used in mattresses, particularly in the lower to middle price ranges. The unit is made up of traditional coil springs. The spring coils are all wired together so that they all move when pressure is applied.

Pocket Spring
These are used in higher quality mattresses. Each spring is ‘cocooned” in its own pocket of material and packed closely together a bit like a honeycomb. The springs work independently of each other to reduce the ‘roll together’ effect and give maximum support to your body shape. The higher the number of springs the greater support.

Mattresses without springs
Full latex, foam and visco elastic memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their comfort and overall body support. Latex is a natural body-conforming material often used to increase softness and relieve pressure points while visco elastic memory foam is a synthetic material that responds to body temperature and weight which has evolved out of recent space technology.

Latex Mattresses
Latex is a natural, biodegradable foam derived from rubber trees. Latex foam contours to the body’s curves, and moves with the sleeper as they move, providing continuous orthopedic support. Body weight is spread over the entire sleeping surface, minimizing “pressure points” and creating a more comfortable sleep.
Latex foam has an “open cell” structure that enables the mattress to “breath”. This allows the release of body heat and moisture keeping the sleeping surface comfortable.

A latex mattress may be a good option for allergy sufferers because they’re less likely to harbour mould and dust mites.

Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattresses
Visco Elastic or Memory Foam was developed by NASA about 30 years ago. It is made from polyurethane, but has a different cell structure to other foams, which makes it less ‘springy’ and slower to recover — it ‘remembers’ your shape even after you’ve moved.

Memory foam reacts to body temperature and weight, conforming and moulding the mattress to the shape of the body. Body weight is spread over the entire sleeping surface, minimizing “pressure points at the shoulders, hips and feet.

Like latex foam, memory foam is highly resistant to bacteria, mould, mildew and mites and may be a good option for allergy sufferers.

Choosing a new bed can sometimes be a little confusing if your not familiar with mattress terminology. At bedsonsale we’ve composed a list of common mattress terminology to make purchasing your bed a lot easier.

• BASE: A base is designed to support a mattress and acts as a shock absorber prolonging mattress life. A mattress and base together comprise a sleep set or ensemble providing prolonged support and durability.

• BONNELL COIL: An innerspring mattress coil with an hourglass shape.

• COMFORT LEVEL: Comfort level is the degree of softness of the mattress surface and is delivered to the body by the upholstery layers on top of the mattress.

• DURABILITY: The lifespan of a mattress with normal nightly use. A good base which properly supports the mattress will significantly impact on durability and extend the overall life of the sleep set.

• ENSEMBLE: The term used for a mattress and base combined.

• FOAM: Polyurethane foam is used as padding material in innerspring mattresses and forms the edges of hybrid waterbeds. It can also be used as the major supportive material.

• INNERSPRING MATTRESS: Most popular type of mattress with a spring construction.

• INNERSPRING UNIT: The coil / spring unit which forms the heart of an innerspring mattress.

• INSULATOR: A tough fiber padding, wire or netting that separates innerspring mattress coils form the cushioning and protects against the coils damaging the top layers of the mattress.

• LATEX MATTRESS: Quality mattress made from natural latex which increases softness and relieves pressure points.

• MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS: New technology foam mattress made form a synthetic material which reacts to body temperature and weight, conforming and molding the mattress to the shape of the body.

• PILLOW TOP MATTRESS: A top quilt treatment where a large pillow of soft materials is sewn over the entire surface of the mattress.

• POCKET COILS: Cylindrical innerspring mattress coils, enclosed in separate flexible fabric pockets. The pockets are attached to adjacent pockets.

• SUPPORT: Support is the type of reinforcement underneath the body provided by the innerspring system and is delivered to the back through the innerspring’s ability to resist downward pressure, which is applied to it from body weight.

• TICKING: The outer fabric covering on a mattress. These fabrics are prints or woven damasks, cotton and fabric combinations.

We will continue to upload quality articles which help our customers to choose the best beds and mattresses.

Bedsonsale is committed to selling premium mattresses at an affordable price. We have the best mattresses in Sydney.

The Vandalay is one of our luxury mattresses/beds made from 100% Latex Gold from New Zealand.

Latex Gold is made from 100% natural rubber extracted from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, a renewable resource grown in Malaysia. Latex Gold rubber is manufactured in New Zealand by New Zealand Foam Latex, a company specialising in rubber manufacturing and research since 1910.

Some manufacturers using the ‘talalay’ process use a very different component. They use synthetic rubber (unnatural and man made). Synthetic rubber can be made from raw materials derived from substances such as coal, oil, natural gas and acetylene.

New Zealand Latex has a clear philosophy regarding synthetic rubber and that is: “We don’t and won’t use petro-chemical materials in our rubber”.

The difference between natural and man-made rubber is considerable. Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding natural and environmentally friendly products; Latex Gold fits those criteria perfectly with impeccable environmental credentials. No toxic substances are used during the manufacture of Latex Gold.

Natural latex is significantly antibacterial and is non-allergenic, mould free and dust free. Latex Gold provides superior comfort and lasting orthopaedic support.

Not only does the Vandalay use Latex Gold it also uses a new technology called Latex DNA system. The unique construction allows the mattress to contour perfectly to an individual body, regardless of shape and size.

An innovative system that circulates air around the mattress and in between the single cubes of latex.

These cubes are individual, letting airflow around the whole mattress, thus eliminating moisture build-up and gaining a better rest. A supportive system yielding to the shape of your body.

When you purchase a latex bed from bedsonsale you can be guaranteed you have the best in latex available giving a luxurious feel for an ultimate nights sleep.