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One study found that reduced sleep time is a greater mortality risk than smoking, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

A Good Night Sleep

Dear Friend.                                                                                                                                                                  

Here you will find  a lot of useful information on how to choose the right sleep set, what to look for and what differentiates one sleep set from the next. You'll will also find information on "Sleep" itself which I think you'll will find very interesting.  I have compiled this information based on questions most customers ask when visiting me at The Brick. "Sleeping", and sleeping well is a very important fact of life we cannot afford to overlook. We spend one third of our life sleeping, what is interesting is that the quality of our sleep can have a powerful effect on the remaining two thirds of it.  I hope this information can help you make a better and more informed decision in choosing the sleep set that is right for you.  Marco Governali.

Shakespeare described sleep as "the chief nourishment in life's feast".  Acknowledging that for most of us deep rest is necessary for keeping body, mind and spirit in good form.

Sleep deprivation

What happens when restless nights are normal instead of the exception?

It's important to explore why we sleep in order to set aside our tossing and turning. Sleep deprivation isn't just bad for us, it's also bad for people around us: tens of thousands of traffic accidents are attributed to sleepy drivers every year, and lack of sleep was also blamed for the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. But the average night's sleep in Canada now averages about 90 minutes less than it did in the 1920s, when it was nine hours a night.

Sleep researchers estimate that up to 95 per cent of Canadians suffer from lack of sleep at some point in their lives. According to this study, sleep deprived people are less happy and more stressed than those getting eight hours' downtime at night. The study concludes that sleep deprivation is a "national emergency." 

The effects? Physical frailness, as well as mental and physical exhaustion.

According to the National Sleep Foundation's poll, people across the country are having a hard time getting the right sleep.

  • 63% of Canadians do not get the 8 hours of sleep experts recommend for optimal health.

  • 1/3 of the population says they get less sleep now than they did 5 years ago.

  • 1/2 of all adults experience frequent symptoms of insomnia.

  • 80% of children don't get enough sleep (children 5-12 years old need 10 to 11 hours sleep every night).

  • Drowsiness due to lack of a proper night's sleep interferes with the daily activities of 37% of all adults.

  • 50% of Americans drive while drowsy; and 20-30% have fallen asleep while driving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The statistics are significant, but what about you? How do you fit into these percentages? It's important to take a moment now and then and "take your pulse" with regard to your sleep.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself about your own sleep:

  • How did you sleep last night?

  • What is your normal sleep schedule?

  • How did you feel when you woke up this morning?

  • Do you ever wake up feeling stiff and sore?

  • How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night?

  • Do you ever have trouble concentrating at different times during the day?

Sleep is vital to your quality of life, and is much more complicated and far-reaching than we tend to believe.                    Lack of sufficient sleep can have the following results:

  • Impaired performance the next day.

  • You feel stress and anger more keenly.

  • You have trouble concentrating.

  • You can be more prone to injuries and health problems.

  • Lack of sleep can seriously impair your judgment. For example, driving after 17-19 continuous waking hours is the equivalent to being legally drunk.

  • With too little sleep, children can become irritable, restless, moody and lacking self-control.

Sleep problems can be caused by a number of factors. Some are medical and should be treated by a doctor. Others are caused by stress. Still others come from bad sleep habits and are more easily corrected. Often, people discover all they needed was a newer or better mattress.

So how can you get better rest? Here are some ideas.

 

  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine & alcohol in late afternoon and evening.

  • Exercise regularly, but not within three hours of bedtime.

  • If you have trouble sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.

  • Establish a regular routine of "winding down" before bedtime. A nice hot bath may help. Avoid any alerting activities during this time.

  • Make your sleep environment pleasant, comfortable, dark and quiet.

  • Lower the room temperature.

  • If you don't fall asleep within 30 minutes, don't try to force yourself to, read a few pages or listen to soothing music until you feel sleepy.

  • Keep a "sleep diary" – at least a 7-day record of when you sleep, wake, eat, etc. This record can help your doctor pinpoint the causes of poor sleep.

  • Examine your mattress: some people change their zip code more often than they change their mattress. How old is yours? Is it still providing the comfort and support you need?                       

    So, what about your own sleep environment and your mattress for example. Did you know that even the low light emitted by your LED alarm clock is enough to rob you of a restful night sleep?  It is imperative that your bedroom be as dark as possible. A lot of folks suffer needlessly, tossing and turning, not being able to get a good night sleep because of their  uncomfortable sleep set. What fools us each and every morning is the fact that after we get up and walk around a few minutes our tiredness and backaches seem to disappear. And so we go through another day, and another. One of these days I must do something about my mattress we think, and we go back to the same routine day after day, night after night.

    I was one of those procrastinators myself for over 5 years. Each and every night, I would go through the same routine of waking up every couple of hours with a terrible back ache. I would get up, go to the bathroom, and go to sleep again. I got so accustomed to it that I though that was just the way it was going to be for the rest of my life. Until finally one morning my back hurt so much I was barely able to walk. I decided I had to do something about it now. My mattress had "dipped" in the middle, and as a consequence it forced me to assume a bowed posture while sleeping.         After doing some research to make sure I would choose the right sleep set, I went to the store and bought a new set. I noticed a huge difference from the very first night. After three or four days all of my back aches and difficult breathing during the night had virtually disappeared.

    Aside from the training I constantly undergo to keep me abreast of the sleep industry, that personal experience made me a firm believer of the importance of sleeping on the right sleep set.     It truly can make a world of difference! 

    How much difference DOES a quality mattress REALLY make. $399$699$1299$1699$2399 ???

    How does a a quality Mattress really Help.

    While many sleep difficulties may be attributed to other factors, it is important not to                                    overlook the importance of a good quality sleep set. Consider these facts:

    • During the next ten years, you will spend about three years asleep.

    • The cost of a mattress divided over 10 years comes to less per day than a cup of coffee.

    • Kids require more sleep. Growth hormones are released during sleep, so good sleep is         essential for growth and physical development.

    • For adults, sleep is essential for rejuvenation and tissue repair.

    • Replacing your old bed with a new, more comfortable one can help you fall asleep faster             with less tossing and turning.

    • If your mattress doesn't conform to your shape and/or causes pressure points, it can restrict circulation and cause you to lose sleep.

    • If your sleep set doesn't support your spine properly, your discs cannot absorb nutrients;        your back muscles will strain, and you may wake up feeling sore and unrested.

   What to look for

Comfort
Comfort, how the mattress feels, is a matter of personal preference. What feels comfortable to one person may feel uncomfortable to another person. Therefore, whoever is going to use the bed should try several different models before making a purchase.

Surface comfort is determined by the UPHOLSTERY of the bed. Upholstery refers to the various layers of material between your body and the innerspring. Both the type and thickness of these materials will produce different levels of feel and therefore different degrees of comfort.

So you'll need to determine your comfort preference. Sleep Sets are normally available in the following comfort levels: Ultra Plush, Plush, Medium Firm and Firm. It's important however to understand the difference between "firm" and "Hard". I get a lot of folks looking to purchase a new sleep set who seem to think that a 'hard" mattress is actually "good" for you. This believe is especially popular amongst the elderly. A hard mattress cannot be good for you.  A mattress should not press and compress against you so hard that it actually constrains proper circulation and place undue pressure against your body organs.  A mattress should be firm but not hard. Over the years I have discovered that the confusion is actually about assuming a "correct posture" while sleeping. In other words, what you want is a mattress which keeps you straight, in a as "natural" as possible position. That said, It is next to impossible to point out a better mattress just by looking at it or by price alone. As a norm, the higher priced sets will offer the best comfort, mainly because of the higher quality components and materials, a mattress is however a highly personal issue, every person has different preferences and every person's body is shaped differently. I had customers who will find comfortable nothing but the highest priced sets, while I had folks who found a $699 set more comfortable than a $3000 one.   

So the myth "firmer is better" is not necessarily true. Your body type determines what comfort is better for you.
A mattress that's too firm for your body will not support all parts of the body evenly, and may cause discomfort at the body's heaviest parts, the shoulders and hips for example. The increased pressure on these points reduces blood circulation and even tingling in your arms or legs  causing tossing and turning. This may result in a poor night's sleep and a far less productive day.

  • Definition of Firm: Firm mattresses offer the least surface "give" and would be considered harder in feel.

  • Definition of Plush: Plush mattresses offer more surface "give" and provide a softer surface comfort.

A mattress that's too soft for your body will not keep the spine in proper alignment. This will cause your muscles to work through the night to straighten the spine, again leaving you tired and aching in the morning resulting in a less effective day. The best test for proper support is to lie down on the mattress and experience its support by lying the way you do while asleep. If you feel your body sagging, the mattress is not giving you proper support. Also, if you feel excessive pressure, the mattress is not giving you proper support.                                         The right sleep set for you then, should keep you from sagging without creating pressure points.

Support is a function of the INNERSPRING in the bed. The innerspring is located in the center of the mattress. The type of support it provides depends on its coil configuration and design. Premium mattresses use coils of heavy gauge steel that are hinged together for conformance and stability. The UniCased Edge system prevents edge breakdown while giving you uniform comfort and support all the way to the edge. Solid edge support means you won't feel as though you're going to slide off the mattress when lying or sitting near the edge.

  • Today's high quality sleep sets innersprings actually sense an individual's body weight and respond with the appropriate support.

  • Manufacturers like Sealy, Serta and Simmons produce their own Innersprings for quality control and consistent performance.

  • High quality sets use twice-tempered steel so the coils will return to their original height repeatedly over time for a consistent surface feel. Twice-tempered steel is 62% stronger than basic wire steel.

Durability

No doubt you want a sleep system that is going to last; therefore, durability is very important.
The type of upholstery materials, the type of steel, and the design of the innerspring all impact the durability of the mattress.  For example, some coil systems are heat tempered twice, which helps maintain their shape so they last longer. Unlike in the past when a box spring's sole purpose was to give your mattress "height", today's box spring provides the greatest measure of durability in a sleep set.
The purpose of the box spring is to extend the life of the sleep system. No longer made of just plain old one-by- fours, today's box spring has actual "springs" inside, it absorbs the major portion of stress and weight placed on the sleep surface. It works much like a "shock absorber" in a car's suspension to eliminate stress in the mattress unit and prolong the mattress comfort life.
A worn-out or improper box spring can shorten the life of a mattress up to 50%. Not using a box spring with your mattress can also shorten the life of the mattress. Just as every car model uses a specific type of shock absorber, every high quality mattress is designed to work with it's own box spring.  A properly designed and matched box spring provides strong support, proper performance and durability.
 

To Pocket Coil or Not To Pocket Coil!                                                                Back To Top

We all have seen the commercials, we have seen the sheep, we've seen the bowling ball, the glass of red wine. So is the pocket coil mattress set better for you?

Here are the facts! Keep in mind that the here, is not coming to you from a manufacturer who of course is going to promote their sets over their competitors. These are everyday situations I learn from customers and their spouses. As a mattress sales professional I get equally remunerated no matter what type of mattress you purchase. What is important to me however is to give you the mattress that is best for you, based on your specific personal needs. It is important to me that you sleep well at night so that I sleep well at night. Chances are that if I help you find the mattress that is right for you, you will come back and visit me the next time you need a sofa or a dinette.                                That said, first things first. What is a pocket coil mattress?

Each individual spring inside a pocket coil type mattress is separated from each other and individually pocketed (hence the name) in a paper like encasing for noise reduction. The idea behind a pocket coil mattress states that if each coil works independent from each other is going to contour to the specific point of the person's body resting on it. That makes a lot of sense doesn't it? In fact it does.                                    But like everything else in life, there are always two sides to every story, so let's look at both sides of the pocket coil type sleep set.

First, let's look at the main advantages of the pocket coil system.  

  • Each coil is independent from each other to contour to your body shape.

  • Each coil is encased inside a paper like pocket to minimize noise.

  • Pocket coil sleep sets exhibit very low motion transfer from one side to the other.

  • Each coil continuously re-adjusts itself to your particular position and body features.

  • Higher quality pocket coil sleep sets feature "Wire" like coils (see picture above) for extra support and durability.

  • Excellent choice for lighter individuals, or those folks who are sensitive to motion.

...and now the other side of the coin.  

  • Because each coil is independent and therefore non-attached to the surrounding coils, they each handle all of the "local" workload on their own. What this means is that there is almost no "load transfer" from one coil to the other.

  • The center-third area of the mattress which supports our heaviest part of our body (our lower back) is subjected to a much higher stress level than other areas of the mattress like the head, the feet area and the perimeter. Over time this can result in a mattress which is heavily worn out in the middle while still almost brand-new in the surrounding areas.

  • Heavier users will usually find this type of mattress tends to "deep" in the middle section more than other types of sleep sets.

  • Relatively shorter life span, due to accelerated wear in the middle section, especially true for heavier users.

So what does this mean to you. Should you or should you not buy a pocket coil set?                                                                                                     Well, here are some very good reasons why you should consider buying a pocket coil sleep set:

  • You are a lighter person, therefore your mattress will most likely not "deep" in the middle as much or as rapidly.

  • You are sensitive to motion transfer.

  • You agree with most expert's opinion that a sleep sets should be replaced every 8-10 years.

  • You have no or almost no back related issues. 

Here on the other hand are some good reasons why you may want to consider a conventional type coil sleep set:

  • You are a heavier person. The sleep set will likely exhibit signs of "deepening" in the mid area within a few years of usage.

  • You have back issues due to an accident or otherwise. In this case you need to maintain a straight posture while sleeping.                So here you have the pros and cons of the "Pocket Coil" system. A great invention by all means, but just like any other great invention not necessarily great for everyone. In case you are wondering however, so that you know what other folks are buying, in most multi-brand stores you will find about five pocket coil sleep sets versus twenty non-pocket coil sets.                                            As far as actual sales, I would estimate about one pocket coil set for every fifteen sets of different design. 

What Else Is Out There

Continuous Sinuous Wire Inner Spring System.

This is the most often purchased sleep set system. It features "Unicase" design which means that the entire spring assembly is contained inside a "casing" which also serves as the "perimeter" of the mattress. Unlike the old style 2-sided mattress which was essentially two half mattresses back to back to each other, you never have to turn this type of mattress. Because it's construction starts from the bottom up, it allows the designer more vertical room for longer coils (better support), More layers of different foam types. The spring system consists of a design similar to the pocket coil system (see above), the main difference is however that while the pocket coil mattress features independent coils (non attached to each other), the coils in this system are instead attached to their surrounding coils via a continuous steel "wire mesh" (see below) which main purpose is mainly to transfer and disperse work load to each surrounding spring. This system can be called the best of both worlds.                There are many obvious advantages to this sleep system, the only minor drawback could be the fact that while the mattress does an excellent job in dispersing work load, it also does an ok job in transferring motion, some folks find that a drawback. This is however the most preferred sleep system. Both Serta and Sealy feature this type of design.

 

Mirror Foam, Tempura Foam, Nasa Space Foam, Convoluted Foam, Latex Foam. ...What Foam?

You've probably heard these names before. Visco-elastic foam (the proper scientific term) was originally developed by NASA over 20 years ago in their quest to create a lightweight, yet comfortable sleep system for the Shuttle astronauts. While you would have paid upwards of $30,000 for a mattress of this type 20 years ago, manufacturers as it is always the case have found new, and more effectivee ways to produce that type of foam.

Today you can buy a complete set (box spring included) for around $2,000.    This is truly a magical foam. When you put pressure on it, it feels almost jelly like without the squishiness. It conforms exactly to your body shape, and when you release the pressure, it takes a few seconds before it returns back to it's original shape. The advantages of such a system are obvious. This type of mattress will conform perfectly to your body shape no matter what position you sleep in. Furthermore, when testing this mattress at a store, it is imperative that you lay on it for at least ten minutes. This is because the molecules which make the foam are heat sensitive. What this means is that the foam will keep in adjusting further as it becomes warmer from your body heat contouring even more to your body's posture. When testing this mattress you will feel a type of sensation unlike any other mattress, it will feel kind of "resistant" at first, but give it a minute or two and you will literally feel this mattress adjusting perfectly to your body shape.          

Latex Foam, The Natural Choice.

While appearing just like any other high-end mattress set from the outside, this is truly a magnificent and unique mattress on the inside.  This mattress system feature a spring-less all Latex foam design. Latex beds are crafted using 100% pure latex. Each core is constructed using the ideal combination of both natural and synthetic latex to ensure the most consistent, durable mattress possible. Latex’s natural origin and its unique pressure-relieving qualities set it uniquely apart from other sleep sets. This is a mattress you definitely want to try.

A high density edge surrounds the perimeter of the latex core. This super-strong edge foam extends the usable sleep surface while providing a firm seating edge.  

This is a luxury sleep set. Every latex foam sleep set includes the finest upholstery materials available. From wool and silk to cashmere fiber blends, these luxurious layers combine to create unique level of comfort. You should especially consider this type of sleep if you suffer from poor circulation.

In addition, an especially designed shock absorbing Box Spring features a steel and kiln-dried wood support system specially designed to maximize the benefits of sleeping on latex.
                                                                                                                                            Back To Top

 

Pillowtop, Eurotop, Tight-top....Topless?

This refers to the type of "finish" you will find on the sleep side of the mattress. A "Smooth-Top" or "tight-top (figure A) mattress is normally a firmer mattress. This type of finish will include fewer layers of foam and other materials between the user and the innersprings. For that same reason this is usually the least expensive type of sleep set.

A Pillowtop mattress (figure B) will feature a built-up layer atop of the mattress itself. This layer feels somewhat "loose" to the touch and is about 1" in thickness. it contains a layer of foam which provides additional insulation from the innersprings giving the mattress a "plushier" feel. 

A Eurotop Mattress (figure C) is essentially the same as the pillowtop. The difference is in the thickness of the top layer itself. A Eurotop top layer will normally be 3 or more inches thick. As in the case of the pillowtop, this layer is filled by a solid layer of foam which can be of conventional, latex or mirror foam. This system offers the most separation from the innersprings providing a higher degree of plushness.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mattress Pad And Antimicrobial Treatment, equals:  Peace Of Mind

Now, here is one of these cases where I occasionally find myself misunderstood (as a sales representative) when recommending an "antimicrobial treatment" with a brand new sleep set. From time to time a customer will think we "salespeople" make a recommendation to consider purchasing an additional item for the sole purpose of increasing the original sale. It is my personal believe that as a salesperson,      I am much better off to look after the customer's interest by giving him what he needs instead of what I want to sell.  Aside from giving me immediate "peace of mind", this will provide me with many satisfied-repeat customers In the long run. As we all know, word of mouth is always the best type of advertising. My very sales career depends solely upon making sure I give customers the very best all-around service. 

That said,  I believe the main reason why we sometimes cannot see an obvious advantage is just that, "we cannot SEE the advantage.     Let's do a simple test. Please observe the (dust mite) picture to the right for a a few seconds.  That is an actual photo of a dust mite magnified a few hundred times. Now let me ask you, would you go to sleep in your bed tonight if you knew you had a couple of thousands of these critters on your mattress? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the fact is that if you did not take the right precautions, that is exactly what you are sleeping on every night. The only reason why you normally don't worry about them is simply because you cannot see them with your bare eyes.        I have been personally using an antimicrobial treatment (spray and mat-pad) on my mattresses for over 10 years, it was the best thing I could have done for both my mattress and for my own health.

I hate to gross you out, but here are some real life facts you can easily find on medical websites:

  • Dust mites (see picture on the right) prefer to live in beds where they can find their food of choice—human skin cells. Because we spend about a third of the day in bed, doctors suggest investing in hypoallergenic treated mattress and pillow covers.

  • While the dust may cause people to sneeze, doctors say allergies are caused by the microscopic mites that live within the dust.    Dust mites are found in ALL homes and are the primary cause of household allergies, especially asthma.

  • The average home will contain about 2 million dust mites. The average bed will have about 2,000 dust mites.

  • Fact: 25% (one quarter) of the weight of a twenty years old sleep set consists of dust mites, dust mites feces and dead human skin.

  • “Dust mites are in heaven in winter, doctors say. “They need heat and humidity to grow and we create a wonderful environment for them in our homes. We insulate to keep the cold, dry air out and keep the warm, moist air in. We turn on our humidifiers. That's dust mite's paradise.”  This is information you will find all over the web, and which any doctor will tell you it is of imperative importance.

VERY IMPORTANT: Sleep set manufacturers will consider all warranties voided should a technician find the sleep set itself stained in any way. With the information out there nowadays, a technician will refuse (and rightly so) to service any stained mattress as this could prove highly hazardous or even deadly to the technician himself.

I routinely offer an Antimicrobial Treatment with every sleep set sold. Nowadays, most people are informed and they immediately recognize the importance of protecting their investment and their health. On average, about eight customers out of ten purchase these protections with the mattress itself. About two out of ten opt to pass on the same. I am puzzled sometimes at how some folks will not hesitate in spending a $100 in a night at the casino, while they will pass on something which will give them many years of restful, clean, allergy free nights.           Let me give you a final piece of advice on this topic if I may. If after all of that information you still feel you do not want to invest in an "Anti-Microbial Treatment" (about $150), then I would recommend you purchase a sleep set which costs about $150 less, and do purchase the treatment itself.  If you are considering buying a sleep set for $1,500 for instance, opt for a $1,350 sleep set and do purchase the $150 Anti-Microbial Treatment. You will not notice much if any difference in the performance of the sleep set itself while enjoying a much safer, cleaner healthier night sleep. You will be glad you did, trust me on this one.

What else can we do to alleviate this problem. Here is what doctors recommend:

  • Clean walls, woodwork and floors with wet cloths.
  • Vacuum carpeting at least twice weekly. Wash area rugs weekly.
  • Whenever possible choose kitchen chairs that are made of wood instead of upholstery.
  • Keep your pet out of the bedroom.
  • Avoid dust traps like stuffed animals, books, magazines, dried flowers in the bedroom.
  • Wash bedding at a temperature of at least 130°F to kill dust mites.
  • Invest in a spray treatment which while safe for children and pets, will make your mattress inhabitable to dust mites and other types of microbes and fungi.
  • Invest in a mattress cover you can wash at least once weekly. This will preserve your mattress while creating a barrier between you and any possible contaminants and allergenics.
  • About once a month, place your bed cover and your pillow cases in a freezer for 10 minutes. Dust mites are very sensitive to very cold temperature. this treatment will not remove the parasites from your bedding but it will kill them instead. Wash in high temp water afterward.

Are you Using The right Pillow?

 Is your pillow important? You bet it is. Doctors recommend you replace your pillow once a year to alleviate allergy problems, and that you use the right height pillow for proper posture.

It is a personal choice of course. I know folks who like to sleep with 2 or 3 pillows while others will prefer to sleep with no pillow at all. Well who's right? If you like to sleep with 20 pillows or with your head on the mattress it is completely up to you of course, but again here are some "common sense" facts I have taken from a medical website.

"The ideal way to sleep is a posture which is as "natural" as possible. What do we mean by natural? Natural, does not mean you have to sleep on a bed made of grass and a pillow filled with leaves, what it means is that your body should lay on the bed in a most "effortless" position. This means that whether you are a back or a side sleeper, your head should ideally stay horizontally aligned with the rest of your body".                                                                                                                                                                             Doctors point out that if you sleep with a high pillow, this will place unnecessary strain on your neck muscles.                                                 The Solution: The Memory Foam Pillow!           

This layered memory foam pillow promotes proper sleeping posture. The improved memory foam top conforms to your head giving a resilient foam base provides therapeutic value. It includes a washable removable plush fabric cover. Headaches, neck pain, back pain arm and hand numbness can be helped with proper Cervical Spine Support. Before I started using this type of pillow, I often experienced discomfort around the area of my shoulders and lower neck. This included reduced motion, soreness and frequent (and painful) "stiff neck days". I have been using this pillow for over three years now.          I take it with me on trips out of town, I highly recommend it.

Do I Need To Buy A New Bed Frame?

You just invested in a brand new mattress and box spring. Should you spend an extra $70 or so and replace your old box spring too?         Not necessarily. Provided you have the proper metal frame, you do not need to buy a new one. What's a "proper metal frame?  The answer is simple. The most common reason why folks need to buy a new mattress is that their old set is sagging in the middle. Why is it sagging? In most cases because the wrong type of bed frame was used. While is true that box springs are constructed to maintain their rigidity for a long time, they simply cannot do so in the long run. The mattress and the box spring have to endure a lot of stress night after night for years and years. The process of "wear" and "tear" starts virtually on the very first night you take the set home. If you are using a metal frame similar to the one in figure A,  you are using the wrong frame. What is missing is the center beam as shown in figure B.   

Using a metal frame with a center beam gives you two extra legs in the middle of your set, exactly where it is needed the most. This will virtually eliminate sagging or dipping. This is especially important with heavier users.

Should you buy a frame with casters or pegs? This is strictly up to you. As a rule however, you may want to buy a frame with casters if you have a carpeted bedroom and a frame with pegs if you have hardwood or any kind of smooth flooring. Prices are usually the same for either type.

 

Do you have a Headboard, footboard, or both. If your sales professional does not ask you (he should), make sure you tell him whether you have a headboard only, or both headboard and footboard. Not all types of frames will accept both, he will need to order the one specific to your needs. The frames to the right (figures B & D) will only accept a Headboard, while the frames to the left (figures A & C) with accept both Headboard and Footboard. (See green arrows). 

Buying a King Sleep Set? You will most definitely need a frame with dual center beams. (figure D). This is because a King Box Spring is actually made up of two independent halves. The reason for this is for ease of passage when turning around tight corners and corridors mainly at delivery time.

 

As a final word of caution on the subject of metal frames, be aware that most sleep sets manufacturers WILL NOT guarantee the sleep set unless a proper supporting frame. The reason for this is very simple. Sleep sets are designed to perform under certain conditions and with proper support, if this is not the case, the mattress and box spring cannot function the way they were supposed to

Back To Top

Want to sound like an expert?   Here is some of  the most common terminology you are most likely to hear next time you're shopping for a new Sleep Set.

INNERSPRING. It refers to the actual "spring" or "coil" which forms the core support      system inside the mattress itself.

QUILT. This is the top most layer of the mattress finish. The Layer you actually see and feel. This can be made of a combination of a number of materials, some of these are Wool Blends to Comfort Fibers to Cashmere Blends. you can usually determine the "firmness" of the mattress by the distance between each "button" on its surface. The closer together, the firmer the mattress will be.

CONVOLUTED FOAM. This refers to foam which has a series of "peeks" and "valleys". This offers a more cushioned support and  better air and heat dispersion.

TOP UPHOLSTERY. This refers to the layers just beneath the top finish (quilt) down to the spring system itself. The "insulation" layers if you will. These can be just a couple of several layers of different materials. As a norm, the more the layers the higher the price of the sleep set. These layers are combined in such a way as to provide proper insulation, air circulation and pressure relieve amongst other functions. They can be made of a number of materials and/or combinations ranging from Convolute Foam, Latex Foam, Memory or Tempura Foam (Viscose-elastic Foam), and other different type of "pads" and insulators.

FOUNDATION. This refers to the "Box Spring" itself. The bottom half of the sleep set or System. Some foundations, especially the higher quality ones will have actual "spring" inside, to aide the mattress in handling the load above it. This should in turn extend the lifespan of the sleep system while also offering a better performance throughout the life of the sleep set itself. 

METAL FRAME. This is the metal frame in which the Foundation or box spring sits into. This is made of actual metal and it supports all of the weight above including the box spring, the mattress, and the users. Some models come with casters for ease of movement especially useful in a carpeted bedroom, some models come with "pegs" or "legs" which are more appropriate if you have hardwood floor instead. As this single component supports all of the weight above it, it is extremely important that you use a proper frame. The type with a center cross-member and 2 extra legs (6 total for queen and 8 total for king size) is the type that is the most durable and reliable. In most cases, sleep set manufactures will not honor a warranty if they find the sleep set was used with an appropriate frame.

EDGE SUPPORT. This refers to the "perimeter" support around the mattress itself. The most common types are made of a harder much denser type of foam such as in the "unicased" or "foam encasement" type of mattresses, or they can be made of a continuous metal "rod" which runs all round the edge of the mattress itself.

HOW MANY COILS DO I NEED?                 912   805   1024   640   532   880   800

...is the more coils the better? Not necessarily. In the olden days, you could tell the quality of a mattress basically by the number of the coils inside id. The more the coils, the better quality the mattress was. Simple wasn't it?

Well, today that is no longer necessarily the case. While a higher number of coils will in general still indicate a mattress which contains a "higher number of components", what is even more important is the "type" of coil used and the "assemblage" of the coil network itself. In other words, the distance, how are they combined and how do they interact with each other. As far as the type of coil for instance, modern coils will be "twice tempered" meaning that the metal is first heated to a temperature which will allow it to "flex" and then "return" to it's original state, and then re-tempered so that the coil will not only "flex" and return, but will also increase the "resistance" as the load on it increases accordingly.

Some types of mattresses feature what's called a "spring inside a spring" type coil. This is a smaller diameter coil contained inside a larger diameter one. Some types of mattresses will feature a "ropelike" type of coil. These coils are not made of one single piece of metal, they are made instead of many fine "strands" just like a rope would be made. As we all know, if you combine several single smaller strands to the same thickness of a single larger one, you will have a much stronger finished product. This type of coil is therefore a much stronger as well as flexible type of coil.

So you see, the number of coils is no longer a deciding factor when it comes to the quality of a mattress. It is the "whole" of the sleep set itself that counts nowadays, all the way from a proper metal frame to the box spring to the mattress to the antimicrobial treatment to the mattress pad itself that makes a long lasting healthy and comfortable sleep set for you to enjoy for many years to come.

...and, in case we missed anything....here is a little  &                                Back To Top

Q. How can I tell if I need a new mattress?
A. When was the last time you thought about your mattress? Many of us forget that our mattresses are the most utilized piece of furniture we own. In fact, if you sleep eight hours a night, in one year you'll rack up 3,000 hours on your mattress. After 10 years, you'll have logged 30,000 hours on the same bed. Listed below are a few hints that indicate it's time to start thinking about renewing your sleep surface.

 1. You bought your current mattress over eight years ago.
  • The average life span of a quality mattress is eight to twelve years. Mattresses older than that suffer from deteriorating comfort features and diminished support capabilities.


 2. You wake up feeling more tired than when you went to sleep.

  • Most consumers wait too long to replace their mattresses. If you don't wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated - or if you feel any pain or discomfort - you've definitely waited too long.


 3. The couch feels more comfortable than your bed.

  • Concentrate on the feel of your mattress. Do you feel coils or bumps? Your body needs a smooth comfortable sleep surface to get a regenerative night's sleep. Your mattress should enable you to sleep through the night with minimal tossing and turning.


 4. Your mattress looks worn and uneven.

  • Inspect your mattress regularly for sags and imprints. If your mattress appears uneven or worn and frayed, maybe its time to start shopping. The upholstery layers in all mattresses compress over time.
  • If you "inherited" your mattress from a family member or friend, chances are you need to replace it now.


 5. You've taken your mattress for granted.

  • Mattresses are the most used yet most ignored piece of furniture in the house. Pay attention to your mattress. Do you hear creaks and groans? Do you notice the surface sags or indents in certain areas and not in others? The condition of your mattress may come as a surprise, once you take a close look.
Q. How much should I spend on a new sleep set?
A. Mattress prices range greatly: from about $299 to over $3,000 for a queen set. A good night's sleep is one of the best investments you can make, so buy the best mattress you can afford. Keep in mind that most of us spend as much as one-third of our time in bed. Your investment will cost just pennies per night over the next ten years! In fact, a $1,000 sleep set costs about 21 cents per night (based on a 12-year life).

 
Q. Should I replace my box spring when purchasing a new mattress?
A. Yes! A good box spring is as important as a good mattress! It acts much like a large shock absorber, taking a lot of the nightly wear and tear and it contributes to your comfort and support. Don't put a new mattress on an inappropriate box spring. When you select the mattress, purchase its matching box spring. The two are designed to work best together. In addition, the manufacturer will not honor a mattress warranty if not purchased together with it's matching box spring. 
Q. How long should my bedding last?
A. The Better Sleep Council advises consumers to buy the highest quality bedding they can afford, then replace old bedding every 8-10 years. After this many years, even the best bedding may no longer provide the comfort and support you deserve.
 
Q. How do I shop for a mattress?
A. Focus on finding a sleep set that satisfies your comfort preference first, then your quality preference. To do so, always shop wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that can easily be removed for lying down. Always take off your jacket if you are wearing one. Take your time and most important don't be shy! Do spend at least a couple of minutes on each mattress you test, try narrowing it down to a couple of sets, then spend at least 5 to 10 minutes once you find the one(s) you like the best. Remember, you can't judge support and comfort by sitting on an edge or lying down for just a few seconds. I have had customers who were so shy, they bought a mattress set just by pushing down on it with their fist. Of course, these were easy sales, but as a professional I am more concerned with giving you the right mattress instead of making a quick sale. We do this several times a day, we will never make you feel uncomfortable while trying a mattress, please do take your time.  Lie on the bed the way that you sleep, and if you sleep with a partner, try shopping with them so you can decide together. Shop at a store that you know and trust, and offers services you desire. Professional Salespeople will usually help you find the right set and then leave you alone for 5-10 minutes to give you a chance to try your mattress in privacy. Read as much information about the sleep set that is available. Remember, buy the best bed that you can afford. You can always find "bargain bedding," but it's no bargain if you can't get a good night's sleep or you have to replace it 6 months later!

 
Q. Which's better, a $699 brand name set, or a $899 no name brand ?
A. Most definitely, the Brand Name set even when less expensive!  The reason is simple. Major manufacturers like Sealy, Serta, Simmons, will simply NOT make bad mattresses. Why? because they have a name and a reputation to protect. Think about it. Let's say one of these major firms were to make a low quality set which would only last you a couple of years, you would not remember the fact that you paid very little for it, what you would remember is the name of that set and not only you would never buy that brand again but you would also most likely discourage your friends from buying it too. Therefore, major manufacturers will always make good sets even at their lowest price points. When it comes to no name brands however, the exact opposite is true. There isn't any name to protect in this case, that's why it's called "no name" in the first place. These are fly by night companies who will be around for a year or so to then close the doors and re-open under another name. I have had customers who had to learn the hard way unfortunately, who told me they bought sets which started falling apart literally within 3 months. How can you spot them? Beware of any exaggerated claims. Companies like these will offer 25 or 30 or even 35 years warranties, of course they will, they won't be there 2 years down the road. Price is another giveaway. Consider this. If a store is selling a set for say $399, by the time you account for shipping costs, different suppliers the set must go through, duties, wages, materials and cost of production, that same set would have to be made for under $100 at the source. There is simply no way to make a good set for $100.

 
Q. Can I compare my old bedding to bedding available today?
A. No, the design and manufacturing of bedding has changed dramatically -- even over the last few years! Innerspring technology has improved, new "comfort" upholstery materials have been developed, and comfort choices have been expanded to give consumers a greater selection! Today's box springs are more durable, with steel spines and "working" torsion modules that are built into all mid to high range box springs.

 
Q. What type of mattress should I buy for my child?
A. I am truly amazed sometimes when a customer will come to see me to purchase a sleep set for his or her son and starts the conversation by telling me that they don't need anything "good". Somehow some folks are convinced that kids can sleep on anything no matter the quality. The exact opposite is actually true when choosing a sleep set for your child. A child needs a set which offers correct back support as much as you do or even more so. Although is true that a child may not be as heavy as you are, it is also true that a child's skeleton especially his spine is not as thick and resilient as your own. Children are simply more delicate than we are. Children's bodies aren't just always moving, they're also always changing, and through all of those changes, their growing backs need support. Don't skimp when buying a new sleep set for your child. With a good sleep set, your children will get the comfort they want with the support their developing bodies need.
 
Q. Can my children use my old mattress?
A. Children should have a comfortable supportive mattress to get the deep restorative sleep their bodies need to grow. If your old sleep set was uncomfortable and lacked support, then it probably won't help your kids get a good night's sleep either.
 
Q. What should I do with my old bedding?
A. I will always ask you you If you would like us to dispose of your old sleep set, if that is the case,  I will provide you with plastic bags for the old set. All you need to do is "bag" your old set prior to us coming there, our delivery professionals will pick it up and dispose of it at the same they will deliver the new set. Not all retailers offer this service, ask before you purchase!
Q. Why are there so many different quilting designs?
A. The quilting design on a  mattress cover helps determine the firmness or plushness of the sleep surface. If a quilting design is small and close, the bed will tend to feel firmer; if the design is large and spread out, the bed will usually feel more plush.
 
Q. What kind of support/frame is necessary for bedding today?
A. Use a sturdy bed frame! If your mattress is a queen or king set, make sure that your frame has the extra center support needed to prevent bowing and sagging. This is required to ensure complete warranty protection for your sleep set.

Examples of proper bed frames for Queen and King size bedding:
 
Q. How do I carry or move my mattress?
A. Two people should normally carry your mattress flat on its side. It's easier to handle and less likely to get damaged. Don't bend your mattress under any circumstances. Bending may damage the innerspring unit. Flex rather than bend the mattress when going through doorways, and don't bend the corners when putting on fitted sheets.
 
Q. How and why do I rotate my bedding?
How do I avoid body impressions in my mattress?
How do I maintain consistent comfort feel throughout the life of my bedding?
A. Manufacturers recommend that you rotate your mattress on a regular basis to refresh its comfort. Mattresses contain many layers of upholstery padding to increase their comfort life and support performance. Body indentations can be a normal occurrence in new mattresses, and indicates that the upholstery layers are conforming to a person's individual body contours. To help minimize body impressions, mattresses should be turned occasionally throughout their life. For convenience, see the illustrations below.
 
 
Q. How do I care for my mattress?
A. Keep your new mattress clean. I strongly suggest using a mattress pad, (see mattress pad section in this page for more information on mattress pads). Don't allow your mattress to get wet. Protect it from water or other liquids. Don't use dry cleaning fluid of any type on your mattress. These chemicals could damage some of the comfort and upholstery materials. Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. Consider investing in a stain-proofing antimicrobial treatment at time of purchase.
   
Q. Should I be concerned about bedding height?
A. For consumers who don't want the extra height that comes with today's bedding, a "Low Profile Box Spring," is available. This will cut the height of the sleep set by up to 3 full inches! A low-rise bed frame can also reduce the overall height of your mattress surface.

 
Q. What are the dimensions of traditional bedding?
A. Queens and kings allow more space for a deeper, more comfortable sleep. See picture.

King: 76" x 80"
Queen: 60" x 80"
Full: 53" x 75"
Twin: 38" x 75"
Crib: 28" x 52"

These are standard finished product sizes. Actual size may vary by model, generally within a range of ± 1/2 inch.
 

 
Q. I want to buy a Queen or King size bed, but the access to my bedroom is limited. How can I get a large bed through tight quarters?
A. King size foundations and split queen box springs come in two pieces for easier access through narrow halls. just ask for it at time of purchase.
 
Q. Why are some of today's beds so thick? My sheets don't fit!                                                                                                       
A. Today's mattresses are manufactured with much more upholstery padding and comfort layers than in days gone by!                     Many consumers prefer the plush and ultra-plush comfort that these thick mattresses provide.                                                               You can find deep-pocketed sheets in most retail stores today.

I hope this information will help you in making a more informed decision next time you need to buy a new sleep set.  Should you have any further concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. Sleep well!

                                                                                                                                  Marco Governali

                                                                          

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Disclaimer: The material in this page and throughout this website is purely of  informative value only. As such, it should not be taken as fact and it should not be deemed as determining factor in treating you furniture and/or preventing any damage to it. The writer is not responsible for any damages or any other type of liability as a result of the information given herein. website created by Marco Governali. 2006. All logos and brand names copyright of their respective owners.