Thanks to Stroble for this article from PrescriptionBeds.com

How to buy a mattress

How do you get through all the marketing hype and discern the truth about different mattresses. Here is the inside story from a 30 year veteran of mattress manufacturing.

In 1871 Heinrich Westfall patented the first innerspring mattress. He saw that coil springs were used in seat cushions and decided to make a mattress from coil springs. Now Leggett & Platt makes about 93% of all the innerspring units used by American mattress manufacturers. It doesn’t matter if you buy Sealy, Simmons, Serta, Spring Air, or an independent brand; the innerspring coil unit is probably made by Leggett & Platt.

The mattress manufacturer buys complete innerspring units that are fully compressed with 10 to 20 mattress units in a bale. He then unbales the units, adds layers of various padding, and upholsters the units.

The great firmness lie

Manufacturers wanted to differentiate their mattress and they could use more coils or heavier wire, either or both of which make the mattress firmer. The total weight of steel used in a mattress determines the cost since steel is ultimately bought by the pound. So we were told that firmer is better.

 Coil Counts and Wire Gauges

Coil counts reflect the number of coils used in a full size mattress with a 252 and a 312 being basic standards. There are many variations with 600 and 800 and more coils per mattress. Wire gauges used to make the coils can be 12, 14, 16, 18, and higher with half gauges in between. The lower the gauge number the thicker the wire. Thus a mattress with 12 gauge wire coils will be firmer than one of the same coil count with 14 guage wire. Or more coils of the same gauge wire will be firmer.

Innerspring unit types

Bonel coils are double cone coils that are round on the ends; Offset coils have a flat part crimped on the ends supposedly to allow them to move more independently. Pocketed coils are straight coils that are not double coned shaped. Continuous coils are straight coils where the innerspring unit is made from one continuous piece of wire without clipping the wire to form individual coils. Then most have a border wire for edge support and to give a straight edge to upholster. Some add gimmicks to increase border strength for a firmer sitting edge, but this reduces effective sleeping area because the edges become too firm. Mattresses used to have 5-turn coils that are about 5 inches thick. With today’s thicker mattresses some now use 7 turn coils to achieve more thickness rather than add more expensive padding.

It’s all Hype

What does all this mean? It really all means nothing. Today’s high-speed equipment can produce any configuration of innerspring unit at about the same cost. The only difference is the pounds of steel used in the mattress unit. More steel means a firmer mattress and a marginal greater cost. The mattress industry makes more profit on firmer mattresses and they tell you firmer is better. A coil spring can only respond to downward pressure with an equally opposing force. Even zoning a mattress with firmer coils in the middle does not balance the pressures on a human body very well. They still create pressure points on the body. What you really want if a softer more conforming mattress. If you choose an innerspring you should look for the thinner wire gauges and rely on feel to choose something that is not too firm.

Padding on top of the spring unit

Here is where the real difference in mattress comes in. Manufacturers use a combination of cotton batting, polyester fiber, and polyurethane foam. Look for the most padding you can get for the greatest comfort. Don’t be fooled by Convoluted or ‘Egg-crate’ foam. This is formed by feeding a piece of foam through a compression-cutting machine where the rollers have bumps on them that create the hills and valleys. Feed in a 3 inch thick piece of foam and get out two 2” to 2.5” inch thick pieces of foam. Four to five inches of foam from three inches, saves costs. But there is an advantage when used as a top layer; the fingers sticking up are softer than the solid part below. Some convoluted pieces have patterns or zones that really don’t mean much. Cotton batting is the cheapest material for it’s height but it compresses and packs down quickly not regaining its loft. Polyester fiber is good for surface softness and breatheability but it too tends to pack down rather quickly. Polyurethane foam is the best choice for durable padding. The higher the density, the better the quality and durability. Generally you want something better than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot density. Today’s mattresses are almost foam mattresses except they use a core of steel springs to take up air space because this is cheaper than the same amount of foam.

Pillowtops and Ticking

These are strictly cosmetic features. Pillowtops add an extra labor step and give the illusion of having thicker padding. Most tickings are durable enough but manufacturers make them beautiful to differentiate the bed and help them sell better. Don’t be fooled by this. It makes no difference if extra padding is quilted into the ticking to make it plush looking, or placed in the pillowtop, or placed on top of the springs. In the end the bed is covered with a mattress pad, sheets, and bedspread.

Why innersprings wear out

It’s usually not that the springs wear out. It is that the springs cut into the padding, and the padding pushes down into the springs. When this happens you can lie on the bed and feel every spring. Steel is hard. Who wants to sleep on steel when there are better alternatives to innerspring mattresses?

Alternative Sleep Surfaces

With the technology we have today why do most of us still sleep on coils springs that were intended for seat cushions, and adapted to an innerspring mattress that was invented in 1871? In some countries innersprings are only 15% of the market. Alternatives include Air, Water, Latex, Polyurethane Foam, Visco-Elastic, and Lever-Support. Air or Water are good beds. They require a little more maintenance as they can leak or electro-mechanical air pumps can break down. Latex beds were invented in the early 50’s and are still a good choice as they are more comfortable and durable than innersprings. They have a natural story even though they are largely made from synthetic rubber. But they do tend to get brittle and crumble after an extended period. But look for one that is softer as many manufacturers are still fixated on firm is better. Polyurethane Foam was invented in the late 50’s and largely replaced Latex. Polyurethane is used in many applications for its durability such as in floor finishes. Polyurethane Foam has come a long way in the last fifty years and now includes a new variant called Visco-Elastic. Visco can mold to and comfort the body in a way that other materials can’t. Finally a company called Strobel has a patent on a Lever Support System.

Lever Support System

Strobel’s patented Lever Support System creates a mattress that is both soft and comfortable yet firm and supportive at the same time. The Lever Support System is a series of flat spring wires that work like a teeter-totter so that when a heavier part of the body such as the hips or shoulders depress one end of the Levers, the other ends actually push up to give support to recessed areas such as the small of the back. The result is that the bed conforms to any body or position giving even all over support.

Supple-Pedic

Strobel’s line of Supple-Pedic mattress includes three models with varying thickness of a proprietary formulation of Visco-Elastic they call Polyfilax. All Supple-Pedics include the patented Lever Support System. With the combination of Lever Support and Polyfilax the company claims to achieve the lowest body pressures and best back support of any mattress. Strobel has clinical studies that show 90% less tossing and turning, and Clinically Proven Better Sleep with their mattress. They also have numerous M.D.’s and Chiropractors who strongly recommend the bed.

Other Features

Strobel’s Supple-Pedic has a removable cover that is dry-cleanable and some machine washable in cold water. The bed also features a layer system where each layer can be aired and dried if it gets wet or the components can be individually replaced if damaged. These features can reduce maintenance costs by not requiring the entire mattress to be replaced.

30 year mattress life?

Strobel’s Supple-Pedic mattress has endured a 30 year simulated use roller test. If the typical innerspring is replaced every three to five years, Strobel’s bed might last fifteen to thirty years. That would be a significant cost savings.

New Technology Now Available

As with everything today there is new technology in the mattress market that you should consider. For more information on Supple-Pedic visit www.PrescriptionBeds.com  or call 866-Strobel.

Now we have a national flame proof mattress law that requires a lot of toxic and cancer causing chemical in beds to pass the test. We recommend a prescription bed free of toxic chemicals.

Upholstered Furniture Ingredients
& Frequently Asked Questions

From where do all of the ingredients come?
•Natural rubber is a renewable resource. It is the milk or sap tapped from the Hevea Brasiliensis – the common rubber tree, grown mainly on Malaysian, Sri Lankan and Indian plantations, especially selected for their high quality product. We prefer rubber from Sri Lanka as we find is the CLEANEST, most durable variety.
• The eco wool is from California and is of the highest quality and cleanest wool available. It is naturally almost white in color. The sheep are raised in an open mountainous setting
• The certified organic cotton is certified by The Texas Department of Agriculture and is grown in the state of Texas. Why organic? No pesticides. No herbicides. No fertilizers. No defoliants.
• All of the no VOC stains are from the U.S. We use AFM Safecoat as our primary brand, but we are also open to using Bioshield.
• The glues are non-toxic water-based glues.
• The certified organic cotton barriercloth fabric is woven in the United States from Texas certified organic cotton.
• All of the cover fabrics are made from natural fibers that are certified as organic (cottons), naturally organic (hemps), Oeketex certified (wools) or rapidly renewable fibers (bamboos and hemps). Our certified organic cotton fabrics are woven in the U.S. Our hemps are woven in Romania and China since the U.S. has regulations that restrict hemp processing. Our certified wools are from South America and some of the hemp/bamboo blends are woven in China.

Why natural rubber?
It is an extremely durable elastic material characterized by its ability to retain its shape and original firmness. Because the product is manufactured where the sap is harvested, we are helping to sustain the local economy and provide jobs without depleting the natural resources of the country of origin. Natural rubber is mold, mildew and dust mite resistant. Rubber producing plants grow best within 10 degrees of the Equator, where the climate is hot and moist, and the soil is deep and rich. For this reason, the area of about 700 miles on each side of the Equator is known as the “Rubber Belt.” The best quality natural latex comes from countries in the rubber belt. These countries include Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Natural latex, for example, does not depress, form body impressions, or rut over time, because of its high elasticity quality, its open celled structure, and its stability. Urethane or oil based foams eventually turn yellow, become brittle, and begin to bucket or rut, even very early on.

Natural latex, made using the Dunlop method, is rinse processed after the vulcanization process is complete, (vulcanization is the “slow cooking” process which turns the raw liquid latex into a solid) utilizes pure, drinkable quality water, which removes proteins and other dusty residuals which eliminate allergens. Therefore, people who have latex allergies can safely enjoy the comfort of a natural latex. Latex allergies also develop from direct contact to skin over long periods of time.

What is Dunlop versus Natural Talalay Latex?
There’s a lot of confusion about what Dunlop and Talalay mean. They are neither types of latex nor types of rubber trees, but types of processing. Dunlop is a process that’s been around since 1929 and involves the traditional manufacturing method. Talalay is the name of a newer process. Here’s how they differ.

Dunlop
When Dunlop latex is made, the serum is frothed in a centrifuge, poured into a mold, covered and baked at a low temperature. The natural sediments in the latex settle to the bottom of the mold, which yields a layer that is slightly firmer on the bottom side.

Talalay
In the Talalay process, after the latex is poured, the mold is sealed and air is vacuumed out. Then the mold is flash-frozen to stabilize the material. This produces a more consistent cell structure, as some of the weaker air bubbles are vacuumed out. Due to the added steps, Talalay latex is more expensive than Dunlop. Latex International is the major company that manufactures and distributes Natural Talalay in the United States.

Which is better?
Having worked with both Dunlop and Talalay latex, we can say with confidence that neither is superior to the other. What matters more is how it is handled out of the mold, how it is packaged, shipped, and ultimately, what is in the end product.

What other variables are there? Some companies add “fillers” such as clay to make the latex go further. Ammonia is often added in the Talalay process. Companies selling Natural Talalay say it’s superior and more pure than Natural Dunlop, and vice versa. Both materials make a great mattress or cushion core and are extremely pure relative to most commercial mattresses. More marketing money has gone into the promotion of the Talalay method since Latex International is the one producer of Talalay foam here in the U.S.

The key is to continually obtain independent lab test results showing the purity of the product and its VOC emissions. If a company cannot provide you with that then caution is on order.

While it is true that Talalay has a wider range of ILDs, or firmness grades, in our experience Dunlop is heavier and more durable. Another downside to the Talalay is that the CO2 used in Talalay processing is very harmful to the environment as it off-gasses.

Natural or synthetic blend?
In the Talalay process, synthetic chemicals are usually added to make Talalay latex, but not always. It is possible to make natural Talalay, synthetic Talalay, natural Dunlop, and synthetic Dunlop. Unfortunately, there is no law that prohibits manufacturers from saying their products contain “natural” latex—even if in actuality that’s only the 20% in an 80%-20% blend, for example.

We use only natural Dunlop rubber/latex. We are comfortable with this for two reasons. First, this process has not changed since 1929, and the harmful chemicals available today were not available then. Second, since our natural latex is from an area in the rubber belt, close to the equator, we know that is of the highest quality available.

What are the Benefits of Wool?
• Wool harmonizes with the body’s temperature changes ~ warms you without overheating and keeps you cool and comfortable in the heat of the summer.
• Wool is fast drying and completely mildew resistant ~ keeps you dry and comfortable, not clammy
• Wool is mold and dust mite resistant
• Wool is naturally resilient, providing relief to pressure points
• Wool is naturally flame resistant ~ safe for the family
• Wool is ecologically and domestically grown
• Wool helps to reduce the heart rate while you sleep
• Wool batting is superior to most other fibers for individuals with allergies and sensitivities
• Wool helps to relieve everyday back pains and arthritic symptoms
• Wool is biodegradable (unlike synthetic fibers)
• Wool is the greatest insulator ~ it has been used for thousands of years in the walls of homes, as clothing, as rugs and as bedding.

What are the benefits of organic cotton?
• No synthetic pesticides
• No synthetic herbicides
• No preservatives or additives
• No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s or GE)
• No Irradiation
• Better for the environment and its workers

Why AFM Safecoat stains over all of the others on the market?
We generally do not like to speak directly about other specific brands, but every big paint company has a “zero voc” paint they tout as “environmental”, and they are essentially all the same. There are a few simple points worth noting:

Zero voc does not mean zero emissions, or even zero voc. This is because the government allows the use of many chemicals which are actually voc’s (technical definition of a volatile organic compound is simply the presence of a carbon atom in the chain), but which do not cause smog. These are called “exempt compounds” – they are voc’s which do not count against the manufacturer as voc’s, allowing the product to be marketed as “zero” voc. Note that government regulation of voc is not concerned with toxicity or health; it is based simply on the fact that some voc’s react with nitrous oxides and ultra violet light to form low level ozone, or smog. If the voc’s don’t participate in this reaction, the government doesn’t really care if they are toxic or not, and so they can be exempted from the voc calculation.

How does AFM’s Safecoat line compare to other popular brands?
Even though the popular brand was marketed as zero voc, or close thereto, it actually registered very high levels of emissions (in this case 246 grams per liter, 2.05 pounds per gallon), because the tests did not screen for exempt compounds. The Safecoat paint registered a true zero.

It is not enough simply to take regular paint and remove the voc so you can have a product that can be marketed as environmental. To make a paint that works from a health and reduced toxicity standpoint, you have to build it from the ground up. This is what AFM has been doing for over 20 years.

All AFM Safecoats material safety data sheets are posted on its website.

Why don’t you use recycled polyester batting and fabrics?
Quite simply, our primary goal is to produce furniture that is more healthful for humans and the environment. Polyester is a petroleum-based fiber. Petroleum off-gasses and is scarce natural resource.

Does your furniture have flame retardants?
We use no chemical flame retardants. We use wool, which is naturally flame retardant to meet all federal and state requirements for flame retardancy of residential furniture.

If I am allergic to wool, can you substitute it with organic cotton batting?
Yes we can if you supply a doctor’s prescription showing that no wool can be used for medical reasons. We need this because we are then producing a piece that does not comply with federal and state flame retardancy standards for residential upholstered furniture. This absolves us from liability.

Does the upholstered furniture come with any warranties?
The pieces come with a 25 year frame warranty and 10 year natural rubber cushion filler warranty.

Do all of the fabrics meet durability standards for frequent use?
Yes, all of the fabrics that we use in our collections are tested for overall durability and rate as heavy duty for residential usage. Some rate as heavy duty for Contract usage as well (all wools and some cottons and hemps)

How are the fabrics cleaned?
Obviously, dry cleaning the fabrics or cushion covers using conventional solvents defeats the purpose of using non-toxic, untreated fabrics. Conventional steam cleaning of cushions is the best method. Spot cleaning specific areas with baking soda and water is highly effective.

Is this furniture able to be returned?
All pieces are custom hand made pieces that are commissioned for the individual client. We assume all responsibility for any pieces that are damaged in transit or defective for some reason and will repair or replace such pieces. Unfortunately, we do not accept returns of pieces if they have no inherent problems and just do not look right in a room. We always work with clients to satisfy them in terms of comfort.

What is the lead time to produce the furniture?
Eight weeks is the standard lead time. If it is shortened or lengthened, we will notify you. It will also be on the order confirmation. We are working to shorten the length of the lead time.

What happens if I am allergic to any ingredient?
We always recommend for people who have multiple sensitivities that they request and test each individual ingredient prior to placing an order, which we will gladly supply.

Can I customize the pieces?
Aside from fabric and stain finish choice, customizations are sometimes available. Give us your request and we will assess the feasibility and cost of it and determine the upcharge, if any, for doing so.

In this article, we aim to help the consumer understand the technology behind adjustable beds so as to be able to make a more informed buying decision. This article explores topics including: brands, mattress types, bed comparisons, bedding accessories and potential health benefits.

• Introduction to Adjustable Beds

• Adjustable Bed Mattresses Overview:

• 1. Adjustable Coil Spring Mattresses

• 2. Adjustable Memory Foam Mattresses

• 3. Latex Foam Mattresses

• 4. Adjustable Air Beds

• 5. Dual Adjustable Air Beds

• Electric Adjustable Bed Frames

• Hospital Electric Beds

• Tempur-pedic adjustable beds

• Craftmatic adjustable beds

• Adjustable bed accessories

Introduction – Adjustable Beds

These are marketed to provide “a comfortable night’s sleep.” We believe this to be very true, but the choice in adjustable beds has exploded over the last 30 years(though they are almost all made by Leggett & Platt, no matter what name they’re sold under) These types of beds have been used in hosptials for a very long time, but have only been heavily marketed to homeowners for the past few decades. People looking for an alternative to the flat bed experience, or maybe just wanting a bit more luxury, find that laying in a bed that can recline, elevate, heat and massage feels absoultely heavenly. Many also swear by the relief an adjustable bed provides for numerous health issues. For example, people suffering from acid reflux, (GERD), may benefit from using an adjustable bed, as elevating the upper body can assist in keeping acid down. It has also been show to help diabetic patients since you are able to elevate your feet and in turn reduce swelling. Compared to a standard bed, these types of beds can provide comfort and support for individuals with back pain, osteoarthritis and multiple sclerosis.

If you’re considering the purchase of an adjustable bed and specialty mattress, and are looking for information and reviews online, consider this, it’s very confusing. At times it’s hard to differentiate the brands(remember-they’re almost ALL Leggett & Platt, no matter what the seller says), who to buy from and who is trying to sell you the Brooklyn bridge. That’s why we’ve compiled a report on this topic designed to provide the reader with some clarity on the technology behind the adjustable bed. It is, after all, not adjustable because of the mattress but because of the electric bed frame and most of these are made by one manufacturer, Leggett and Platt. The comfort, however, is determined by the mattress and there are a number of mattress types to choose. What should you do to choose? Start by: 1. Reading our report about Understanding Adjustable Beds. 2. Head to a sleep store in your area and test out the different mattress choices. There really is no substitute for physically testing out various sleep surfaces for accurate comparisons. It’s not a test with right or wrong answers, just decide based upon what feels most comfortable to you!

Adjustable bed mattresses

Are all mattresses compatable with an adjustable bed? The answer is no. However, the two mattress types coil springs and air adjustable mattresses which need specific construction to move flexiby on an adjustable bed frame ARE available to buy. (See specific mattresses below). Other mattress choices, latex and memory foam are flexible enough making them compatible with an adjustable frame.

Still ranked as the most popular, coil spring mattresses command 80% of the market and for the majority of consumers without health or sleep issues, this used to be good enough. Currently, other sleep surfaces, (including adjustable air beds, latex foam and memory foam) are growing in popularity with aging baby boomers and better educated consumers. After getting an overview on the technical differences between the various mattress choices including the benefits pertaining to each one, it is recommended that an individual read some of the online adjustable bed reviews expressed about the various manufacturers and sellers.

• 1. Coil spring

The coil spring mattress, first patented in 1865, continues to be the most popular mattress choice for an adjustable bed. However, an innerspring adjustable bed mattress differs from a traditional flat bed, in that it is able to bend into various positions. As for standardization, that is one thing you won’t find in the mattresses manufacturing industry. The only government standard in place is a flammability test (and not for all states) but after that it is buyer beware.

The basic inner workings of a coil spring mattress are, of course, the coils. Once coiled the metal is tempered to hold the firmness of the coil. A higher quality coil mattress will likely have a higher number of turns in the coil. Coils may be connected together or remain independent, the latter being less likely to transfer motion. The more luxurious models are covered with a layer of memory foam, latex and / or a pillow top.

This type of mattress is still the best value on the market offering a level of firmness that most people want. The drawback for some is that the coil springs can create pressure points, that when in contact with the body, can cause a poor or restless night’s sleep.

• 2. Memory foam

Memory foam, made from a visco-elastic material, is completely pliable so it can be used on either a flat or an adjustable bed frame. This is an especially great option for anyone who has back issues as memory foam softens with heat (body temperature is enough) and conforms to the curves of the spine, thereby reducing pressure points.

Invented by NASA in the 1970’s, memory foam was revised and launched into the commercial market by the Swedish company, Tempur-Pedic. Although Tempur-Pedic is still the best known brand in this category and the reigning leader of the high-end market, there are now plenty of knock off brands to choose from. Consumers can also purchase memory foam pillows and foam mattress toppers.

The firmness of the foam,( between 2 – 6 lbs) is graded with the following criteria:

1.Weight

2. ILD Rating (Indentation Load Deflection)
3. Resiliance

4. Tensile

• The first factor, Weight, refers to the actual density of the foam in pounds per square foot, determined by the number of chemicals used in the foam’s creation.
• Next, the ILD Rating, the firmness of a mattress, determined by the indentation left when “x” amount of pounds of weight is applied to a 50 square inch area. The higher the ILD number, the firmer that particular mattress.
• The third factor, the Resilience, or ‘H R’ factor shows how fast the foam rebounds when a ball is dropped onto the surface. The faster the rebound, the more resilient the material, and the more durable the mattress.
• The fourth factor, tensile, shows the ability of the foam to be stretched. However, this does not offer very relevant information, since a memory foam mattress may be compressed by the weight of the sleeper, but it is never ‘stretched’.

Again, there can still be plenty of variance in these measurements, however, most consumers find that they are more comfortable in the middle, sleeping on densities between 3 – 4 lbs, although a 5 lb density is recommended for its longer lifespan.

Some common complaints about memory foam are that, initially, it takes the body some getting used to and also that new mattresses may give off an unpleasant odor for a short time. US made foam mattresses and Swedish Tempurpedic mattresses do not contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and generally do not cause allergies.

• 3. Latex Foam

Latex foam, a naturally derived substance made from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, is flexible enough to be used on both flat and adjustable beds. Latex is a desirable product since it not only acts similarly to memory foam, conforming to your body and reducing pressure points, but is also hypo-allergenic. Mold, mildew and bacteria cannot live in latex foam and it is also very resistant to dust mites. Good news for those who are very sensitive or allergic to these factors. And no chemical smell!

Another plus to this product is its’ ‘breathability’. The cellular makeup of these mattresses cools in warm weather and warms in cooler weather. This is advantageous over synthetic memory foams which tends to retain body heat.

What’s available? Besides 100% natural latex foam and 100 % synthetic latex, there are two other processes to create a blended latex: the Talalay process and the Dunlop process. These processes use about 60% synthetic and 40% natural latex and make up the bulk of the type of latex sold in the US. Some of the synthetic latex mattresses, such as those manufactured in China, are inexpensive but do not have as long a life span and may become uncomfortable after a short time due to their inferior construction.

Environmentally, 100 % latex foam is far superior to any of the other mattresses on the market. The process of making latex mattresses does not involve the use of toxic chemicals. Since latex is derived naturally, it is biodegradable (once it reaches the end of its lifespan which can be up to 30 years). But besides being a product that doesn’t clog landfills, the rubber trees themselves, once they stop producing sap, are used to manufacture furniture.

• 4. Adjustable Air Bed Mattress

An air adjustable bed is the one mattress that is, itself, adjustable. Adding this type of mattress to an adjustable bed frame gives you the option to raise and lower head and foot levels as well as change the actual firmness of the mattress. However, it is important to note that not all models of adjustable air mattresses are compatible with adjustable frames.

Air mattress composition: Adjustable air beds take the basic idea of an camping style air mattress (although air bed manufacturers don’t like any comparison to something like the Aerobed), enhance it with modern design elements and enclose it in a fabric cover so that it does not look any different than a standard coil spring mattress. The basic components of these mattresses include: inner air chambers, (made from either thick, high quality rubber or polyurethane) four thick foam side rails that interlock to create a firm edge, a cover, a plastic or wooden foundation (base), an electric pump and a remote control. Luxury models add on memory foam and pillow top layers.

Typically, an adjustable air bed requires some assembly upon arrival which usually involves snapping together the base (if plastic), inserting the air chambers into the cover, fitting together the foam rails and then pumping up the mattress. The pump automatically shuts off once the chambers reach their maximum level so there is no need to worry about over inflating the mattress.

Once filled, it is recommended that the user / users try the bed out and adjust the degree of firmness, usually via remote control, to their desired level. Most people need several days and many slight adjustments to get the mattress to their preference and may not even like the feel of the bed right away. Since the bed takes some getting used to, most sellers offer a 30 day return policy (be sure to retain the original packaging if there is any thought of a return).

The choice of an air bed over other types of adjustable mattresses depends on personal preference, but may also be based on a specific ailment. If reducing pressure points to allow maximum circulation is a requirement then the air bed mattress is a good choice as it offers pressure relief below 32 mmHg (32 millimeters of mercury is a the point at which zero pressure is being applied to the body for maximum circulation).

We discussed the basics of the adjustable air bed mattress above. The SAT mattress (stands for Self Adjusting Technology) uses a patented air suspension system based on ‘Boyles Law’, which uses no pumps, motors or electricity, but instead an intake / release valve system to self adjust. This type of mattress is recognized by the US government and is frequently used in the health care industry. It is also being promoted for home use and basic sleep comfort.

• 5. Dual adjustable air beds

Dual adjustable air beds are recommended for couples as it allows each sleeper to individually control the firmness of their side of the mattress, via remote control. If there is a fairly significant variance in the level of firmness between each side, an additional layer of foam can be added underneath to raise the level of the softer side, keeping the surface of the mattress even. Since each side of the bed has it’s own air chamber, there is minimal transfer of motion. An important consideration with dual adjustable air beds is the whisper quiet pump. You will find that less expensive models offer air pumps that can be as loud as a hair dryer. This can be disturbing if one of the users likes to adjust his or her side of the mattress in the middle of the night.

Electric adjustable bed frames

When talking about electric adjustable beds you’re really talking about the electrically operated metal frames or bases over which a mattress resides. If exploring your options online or at a sleep store, you will find that just about all electric adjustable bed frames are manufactured by a company called Leggett and Platt. By visiting their website directly you can browse the 9 adjusting frames they manufacture. Some features to consider include:

• a whisper quiet motor
• a wireless remote control versus one that is hard wired to the bed
• a remote control that can be programmed to remember and return to favorite positions
• back up power or a way to get the bed back to a flat position in the case of a power failure
• wallhugger option: keeps the bed lined up with side tables when raised
• built in massage

Top of the line frame, S-Cape offers the most versatility and can be put inside a bed like a four poster or headboard /footboard style. Optima, Lifestyle, Silhouette, Pro-Motion, Profile, Adjusta-Magic, InComfort and Rowa are other selections and retailers that sell Leggett and Platt should be able to get you one of these electric frames, should you want a specific model.

Keep in mind that there are a number of variables concerning the frame. For one, if you’re looking to buy a queen or king size mattress you have the option of buying a split king or queen frame that allows for independent adjusting or a single adjusting frame. For couples, buying the split frame allows each person to control the position of his or her side independently. However, this option carries a heavier price tag; about $1000 more.

To get the most for your money consider which features are most important. Features important in an adjustable bed include quiet operation and you should look for “Whisper Quiet.” Another feature to look for to keep the bedside table within easy reach is the “Wall Hugger” feature. Massage options often come included in the price of the frame; however, it is best to inquire before purchasing.

And finally, know that if you are interested in buying an adjustable bed, and most people buy the frame and mattress all at once, mattresses suitable to the adjustable frame will include latex and memory foam. Air adjustable mattresses and Innerspring mattresses must be designed specifically for use on an adjustable bed frame.

• Hospital electric bed

Hospital and home care electric beds are designed with features to provide safety, comfort and assistance to individuals who are ill or disabled. If a patient is being cared for at home, instead of a hospital, it is possible to either buy or rent a hospital bed. These beds are available to buy as: fully electric, semi-electric or manual. Considerations for choosing one over the other include primarily price as an electric hospital bed will cost more than a manually operated one. To learn more about hospital beds, read our review.

Adjustable bed brands

• Tempur-Pedic adjustable beds

Tempur-pedic, a Swedish company, is responsible for bringing memory foam mattresses to the market. The material, originally created by NASA to pad the seats for astronauts, was revised by the Swedes to make it more optimal as a sleep surface. Today, memory foam aficionados may be purchasing Tempur-pedic more so because of the huge advertising dollars this company has spent to gain brand name recognition, than because it is a superior memory foam mattress.

About Tempur-pedic

• 7 mattresses to choose from
• Mattress prices range from $1499 to $5999
• Mattress widths from 8″ to 14″
• Mattresses can be used with an adjustable bed or flat bed base
• Adjustable bed frames include wireless remote and massage features
• Tempur-pedic pillows

• Craftmatic beds

Craftmatic adjustable beds all sit on frames made by Leggett and Platt. There are 4 different models to choose from; the Monaco, their top of the line mattress, which comes complete with massage and heat options. Other models include the I, II and III with the III being the least expensive. This manufacturer does not list prices on their website, but instead sends brochures and a live sales rep to explain the benefits of purchasing their products. Top of the line models use high density foam and latex mattresses while less expensive models use coil spring mattresses.

• Sleep Comfort Beds

Not to be confused with Select Comfort which promotes the ‘sleep number’ bed, this manufacturer offers a variety of mattresses choices, such as coil spring, memory foam and latex foam (but no adjustable air). Manufactured in San Diego, this company offers maintenance on their beds in all 50 states.

• Select Comfort Beds

The originators of the ‘Sleep Number’ bed that allows users to adjust each side of the bed to their own level of firmness. Not all models come with an adjustable frame as the focus is more on the adjustable firmness of the mattress itself, but adjustable bed frames can be purchased. The mattress has an inner core that is an inflatable air bed. It is surrounded by thick foam rails (for support), covered over with memory foam, latex foam, quilting or a combination of those, and enclosed in a mattress cover for added comfort. There are many other air beds on the market, some even better than sleep number. See our articles in our Air Beds section for more info.

• RestOnClouds Adjustable Beds

Sold at very reasonable prices, GoldenRest manufactures a line of both home and hospital adjustable beds. Like many of the other companies listed above, they offer a complete range of sizes from twin to king and have several models to choose from.

Additional adjustable bed brands include: Niagra, Serta, Sealy, Spring Air and Simmons.

Adjustable bed sheets and accessories

With the exception of a queen split mattress, standard size sheets will fit accordingly, but they may not stay on.

As with a standard bed you will want to accessorize an adjustable bed with pillows, comforter and a mattress pad. Choice will depend upon desired style and comfort and can be bought at any bedding store online or locally.

Airbeds today come in many makes and models.  There are models such as the popular “Aero Bed” which are an easy, self contained, stowable mattress for guest when they come to your house, all the way up to the popular Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed.  In our discussion, since we are a specialty sleep web site, we will be discussing the latter – higher end air mattresses for every day use.

To Bed Continued…

So you have decided you want to buy a memory foam mattress, but which one to buy?! It is pretty widely accepted that TempurPedic is a great choice, but they are very costly, and frankly, you can get a mattress that is just as good or better for less now. Below, we will teach you how to be a more educated memory foam consumer so that you can get the best mattress for the best price.

Here are some things to consider…

1- Density – Memory foam density is a big deal. Never buy a mattress with less than a 4lb memory foam. The density of the memory foam is the weight that 1 cubic foot of the foam weights. So, if you had a 1′ x 1′ x 1′ block of 5lb memory foam, that cube would weight 5lbs. So why does this matter? A higher density memory foam will hold up better over time. A common misconception is that high density memory foams are hard, whiler lower density foams are softer. This is not true. Along with densities, foams have a number called the ifd, or ild. The ifd/ild is a number that rates the firmness of a foam. You can have a 4lb foam with an ifd of 20 that will be much firmer than an 8lb foam with an ifd of 8. The lower the ifd, the softer the foam. Generally speaking you want between 10-15 ifd in a 5 or 6lb memory foam

Now, we’ll make your head spin a bit. Density isn’t always true! Many manufacturers use a dirty little trick so they can say they use high density memory foams when they in fact are inferior foams. That trick is using fillers in the foam to make it weight more while using less of their expensive raw materials. To do this, manufacturers will mix all sorts of things into the foam, sometimes as crude as dirt, or marble dust to make a 3lb foam weigh 5lbs when put on a scale! doing this creates a foam that does not have the same pressure relieving properties, or long life of a true 5lb density foam. BUYER BE WARE!!!

2-Amount of memory foam – a good memory foam mattress will usually have between 3 to 5 inches of memory foam. More than 5 inches is a bit over-kill, less than three inches does not give the same level of pressure relief.

When it comes to adjustable beds, most people are familiar with one company – Craftmatic. For years, Craftmatic made themselves THE source for adjustable beds. They had commercials on TV all day long, an 800 number where you could call and speak with someone that was going to get you the bed of your dreams, and you’d even have a friendly sales representative show up to your house to help you pick with adjustable bed would be best for you.

Today, you will find a wide variety of adjustable bed frames on the market for what seems to be an infinate amount of sources..but here is what most retailers don’t want you to know. Almost all adjustable frames are made by the same company. They are a US based company called Leggett & Platt. They make several different models with the S-Cape being their top of the line. These adjustable bed frames are sold all over. Sometimes they are called by their manufactured name, but many times, they are sold under a different name as in the case of TempurPedic and Select Number Sleep Comfort. No matter what it is called, MOST of the adjustable beds on the market are the exact same thing.

Being that there is so little variety, a couple companies have caught on to the need for a more affordable, yet quality adjustable bed. RestOnClouds for instance started bringing in their own version of adjustable bed from over seas a few years back, and it matches the more expensive Leggett & Platt adjustable features for feature with only one exception. You will find the Leggett & Platt S-Cape adjustable bed has 3 programmable settings so that you may get back to your favorite 3 positions at the touch of a button. The RestOnClouds model does not offer this feature, but does offer a one touch “Zero Gravity” position, which puts your feet up a bit as well as your head. This is the same position used by astronauts during take off to relieve the stress on their bodies from the excessive G-Forces they experience. From what we can tell, this model from RestOnClouds is just as good as the more popular Leggett & Platt. We believe more and more people will continue switching over to the more economical versions in the future.

That said, there are several other companies offering their own adjustable beds as well. We offer a word of caution about getting too much for too little. The fact of the matter is good manufacturing costs money. That is not to say that things that are cheap can not be good, but rather is a suggestion to take a very close look at any adjustable bed you feel is “too good of a deal”. Keep in mind that there are a lot of aspects of an adjustable bed that need close attention paid to them during the manufacturing process. The most obvious is the frame. Good quality materials are a MUST. You don’t want inexpensive metals that are going to bend over time front he everyday stress of being used. The frame must be made with good welds and machining as well. Motors should be self contained and well powered. There is ONE good adjustable bed on the market that we have found that is cheap. What do you sacrifice? Well, there is no massage, it is not a “wall hugger”(see below), you have to assemble it, and we don’t recommend it to people over about 225 pounds. It is the standard adjustable bed sold by RestOnClouds.

Ah- remember water beds? You could sleep like you were just floating on your back in the pool. Of course it only took a night or two to realize the excruciating lower back pain a water bed can cause. The idea is genius…how could you not love it (until you tried it!)

In the old days of water beds (also known as fluid support systems) the water bed was very little more than a giant bag filled with water. you could adjust the firmness to a degree depending on the amount of water, but that was about as technical as it got. Now here is the best part. It’s 9:00pm You’re all excited because you got to bed an hour early tonight. You fall asleep, and a half hour later, your partner belly flops into the bed, catapulting you into the air and onto the floor. OK- so we’re being dramtic with that example..but the fact remains, get in or out of a water bed and you partner knows for a full minute or two while the water “calms” back down. When you’re just trying to fall asleep, you shouldn’t need a Dramamine.

These two main points are the downfall to the water bed, but Put aside everything you THINK you know about water beds – We are about to ope your eyes to a whole new world of sleep!  Today’s fluid support beds are leaps and bounds better then their predecessors. Newer style water beds are no longer just a big bag full of water setting inside a bulky pine box. They instead contain a more advanced water chambers, and if you would like, look like a normal mattress fitting into any standard bed frame!  The most advanced water beds stop 100% of the water motion, and give amazing support to your lower back and mid-section. This newer technology will allow you to get that nice, pressure free surface without the “hammocking” you see in more traditional water beds. It is this hammocking that causes lower back pain.

One of the biggest benefits of a fluid support bed is the temperature control you have over your mattress. Whether you sleep hot of cold, you can adjust your mattress accordingly. In split water beds, you can even adjust your side to be a different temperature from your spouses side.

Inner spring mattresses have their place, but frankly, as far as we’re concerned, the day of the inner spring mattress is past. Inn er spring mattresses were a revolutionary idea when they were first invented in 1871 by Heinrich Westfall. The idea was to give people a more comfortable sleeping surface that would hold up over time. It worked (or else we wouldn’t have them today) But this technology is now over 140 years old…is it still the right way to go?

Here is a list of the top benefits of sleeping on a memory foam mattress. These are in no particular order.
1) Better Sleep Quality. Memory foam decreases tossing and turning. That’s right! It has been proven the a memory foam mattress will decrease the amount of times you toss, turn, and get up through the night. In addition you don’t need to sleep as many hours to get the benefits you would from a standard mattress. (For example, where it may be necessary to get a full 8 hours of sleep on an innerspring mattress, you may only need 6.5 hours on a memory foam mattress.) In a time where the majority of people are not getting the ful amount of sleep that they should, this is particularly important. If you can’t get a full nights sleep, OPTIMIZE THE SLEEP YOU DO GET! Denser foam will allow a person to get more sleep due to its conforming effect.

2) Longer Life. A memory foam mattress will last much longer than a standard innerspring. Inner spring mattress give out more and more as time goes by. TheBetter Sleep Council says the average time that an innerspring mattress is good for is 7 years. (Have you had your old mattress for longer than that?)

3) No Noise or Motion Transfer. Don’t you hate it when you partner comes to bed late and wakes you up just by getting bed?  Or how about when they get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night? With a memory foam bed these are problems of the past.  Because there are no noisy springs your partner will lay undisturbed if you get up early in the morning. In addition, because of memory foam’s lack of “motion transfer” (in other words- memory foam absorbs motion), you can’t notice someone moving on the other side of the bed. You can even set a glass on the bed and it won’t fall if you move! (though we still don’t suggest you play with this-just in case. And if you DO happen to do this, and the glass spills, we don’t want to hear about it!)

4) Say Goodbye to Mattress Related Allergies. Memory Foam Mattresses are constructed to be hypoallergenic and dust mite proof. Gross Fact: The average innerspring mattress DOUBLES in weight over the course of ten years due to accumulation of dead dust mites that feast on your dead skin cells. It’s true. Luckily, you can wash your Memory Foam cover whenever you want to get rid of any skin cells you may have between the cover and your sheet AND dust mites cannot survive in memory foam, assuring you that you will not have a problem with those horrible little insects that cause allergies and worsen asthma ever again.

5) Less Joint and Back Pain. Memory foam offers some of the best pressure relieve properties of ANY bedding product.  When you sleep on a quality memory foam mattress, your don’t have any springs “pressing back at you” like you do in a traditional inner spring mattress.  What this means for you, is that you will wake up with fewer aches and pains than ever before.  Back, neck, joint and arthritis pain are just a few of the different aches memor foam will help prevent and relieve.  Give yourself a break!

6) Warranty/Longevity. Quality memory foam mattresses come with at least a 20 year warranty. Be cautious of cheap memory foam mattresses that offer a 5 or 10 year warranty.  It is likely that they use 3, 2 or even 1.5 pound memory foams.  These low poundage foams will not last nearly as long as their heavier counterparts, A good warranty should give you some peace of mind that the mattress you just purchased isn’t your problem if the mattress doesn’t hold up like it should. Many companies say they have a warranty, but when push comes to shove they don’t back up their products, so be sure you deal with a reputable mattress company.

Better Memory Foam. Look for companies that use high density visco elastic memory foam.  At the absolute minimum, they should be 4lb foams, but better yet would be 5 or 6 pond foams.  We have found that 8lb foams do not offer significant benefits.  They cost more, and make your mattress MUCH heavier and harder to move around.  

 Overall Value. Once you make the right purchase, you will get a better overall value with memory foam than any other product.  The mattress wil last for years and offer you the best night sleep you have ever had. 

With many manufacturers, you can find a memory foam mattress mattress of the same feel and quality of TempurPedic at a fraction of the cost, many with extensive warranties and in home trial periods. Many companies online offer FREE SHIPPING and some may even offer financing—getting a luxury mattress at an incredible value has never been easier – but is memory foam the way you want to go?

Memory Foam is a widely trusted material that has been featured in magazines, newspapers and is rapidly becoming a product recommended by doctors everywhere. Companies such as TempurPedic have been around for a good number of years, and other companies have only been around a short period of time. Luckily – many companies now offer outstanding memory foam, even some of the younger ones.

With many different memory foam beds for every taste there is a large variety to choose from (though we do tend to recommend premium American made memory foams for your bed) . There are several gimmicks to look for such as the “air flow” layer being offered by many manufactures. You’ll also find a wide variety of cover materials including velours, cashmere, and coolmax materials (intended to keep the user cooler while they sleep). Using materials like Cashmere, Silk, and Suede, does not make any difference in the quality or feel of the mattress, but will change the appearance – of course when you put your sheets and bedding on – this is moot. To find out which bed is best for you, continue reading through this article, as well as the rest of this site! You will find more information than you’ll know what to do with – but we promise to try and keep it organized and efficient.

Comparing a memory foam mattress to Tempur-Pedic is a good place to start. You’ll find that many beds are very similar to TempurPedic, but none of them use the exact “Tempur” foam (which is exclusive to TempurPedic, but the good news is…it’s just a premium memory foam. The construction of both company’s beds is nearly identical, both in feel and density. These companies are also the only companies that offer HD foam beds. Our memory foam pillows are also very similar. For direct comparisons, see the individual product pages or view the Tempurpedic Comparison page.

“Zero Gravity” Adjustable Beds are a premium upgrade for any memory foam mattress. Adjustable frame beds are designed to allow the user to raise and lower their head and feet. Many offer variable features such as massage and wireless controls.

High Density memory foam are the newest thing to hit the market. Probably the best on the market today is the ThermalSense HD memory foam. This 6lb High Density memory foam is sold as bed toppers, as well as used in the different ThermoPlush mattresses. Memory Foam Mattress Toppers are a great way to soften up a mattress that’s too firm, eliminate pressure points, and provide a more even support. The ThermalSense HD mattress topper is by far the BEST topper on the market..

To learn more about memory foam and our company, see our memory foam blog and buying guides. Our friendly sleep specialists are standing by around the clock to answer any other questions you may have.