Latex Mattress information & reviews

Latex Mattress shopping, try one of the big three…

2010-08-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

Latex mattresses are everywhere in the media. We hear about these mattresses from back pain sufferers, allergy sufferers, those with sleep apnea, even the medical community. Latex mattresses truly are an amazing product, allowing for the perfect sleep system. The health benefits of the latex mattress abound and when compared to conventional sleep systems, the affordable pricing of the Latex Mattress makes it an even more attractive option.
So you begin your search for a latex mattress obviously you go straight to the internet, best to arm yourself with as much information as possible. A simple search for latex mattress returns hundreds of thousands of results. So what’s the best way to weed through what we find? Simple… our criteria, we have to set it kind of high, this isn’t a snap decision type purchase, and we are going to put some serious thought into this decision so let’s start our list of criteria.
First they must offer an in home trial period, or a 90 day money back guarantee, we want a good product and a company that stands behind that product. The mattress if not the right thickness, firmness or configuration, we need to send it back with no questions asked.
Second we need a company that has fair and affordable pricing, we want to eliminate the drop shippers and those who never see the product and only collect a profit, we need a factory direct retailer, we need to cut out the middle men and deal with the companies closest to the factory and the retailer as possible. True factory direct pricing means maximum saving for us the consumer.
Finally we want to deal with a friendly and reliable company, customer service; that’s what it’s all about. A good product at a great price can be worthless without a customer service rep that can help you make a purchase, get it shipped to you and be there if anything goes wrong with the purchase. Many consumers feel this is the most important part of the criteria, after all what good is a money back guarantee of you can’t even get a hold of the company that sold you the mattress?
Given that set of criteria there are a series of latex mattress retailers that fit the bill, their competitive pricing, in home trial periods and glowing customer reviews on the forums make them the top three on any internet search related to latex mattresses. When shopping for latex a mattress take a look into the big three internet retailers of latex mattresses: Latex Mattress Company, Healthy Foundations, and Sleep E-Z, you will be glad you did.

90 Day Money Back Guarantee - Organic Latex Mattress

2010-07-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

A recent posting of mine directed potential latex mattress buyers to the 180 day trial period offered by Habitat Furnishings. I also however wanted to inform readers that there is a similar such program for organic latex mattresses, this 90 day money back guarantee is offered by Sleep E-Z, another known and trusted latex mattress retailer. With actual brick and mortar locations, Sleep E-Z is eager to please as I discovered by reading through their company reviews on what’s the best mattress. This quote was taken from the website...

"Shawn was always very helpful and informative. Purchase was easy and arrived in a timely manner, and well packaged. Mattress is very comfortable, excellent quality.
"

This information may be useful to anyone in the market for a latex mattress.

Latex Mattress with a Trial Period???

2010-07-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many choices available today in the latex mattress marketplace. New retailers appear almost daily, with so many choices how does one make a choice? One reassuring thing to know is that there are a few companies in the latex mattress industry that allow trial periods, with no questions asked money back buyer protection. One such company is Habitat Furnishings, they offer a 180 day money back trial period, as quoted from their website read below...

"We’ve been in the bedding business for a long time, so we're able to back up our beds with an unprecedented 180 day, no questions asked money back trial period...almost unheard of in the bedding industry"

A trial period with a known retailer may be the best route for a first time latex mattress buyer seeking a low to no stress way to evaluate a latex mattress.

New Latex Mattress Innovation - Select Your Firmness

2009-08-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article about a "new" latex mattress. SleepEZ is promoting their layered latex mattress as a solution to an industry wide problem, I knew this needed further review. After researching the release and their website I can report the following.

SleepEZ Latex Mattress Factory has created a way that essentially three mattresses can be shipped in the same box to a single customer for a single mattress purchase. When One of the Sleep EZ select sleep latex mattresses is ordered, the customer selects three different levels of firmness, as there are three layers inside the mattress. Upon arrival and a trial sleep period the customer can quickly decide if the level they have placed on top is the right firmness. If not, they simply move that layer down and a different layer to the top. This allows the customer full control over the firmness of the mattress.

This layered latex design allows allows for more simple returns, if say a single layer needs to be returned or even if the entire mattress has to go back this saves the consumer the hassle of return shipping something as large as a mattress.

This seems like a great product and truly and innovative idea. Take a look for yourself, You can see the news release here Latex Mattress News Release, or read the company website, Sleep EZ Latex Mattress Factory.

New Latex Mattress Reviews Website

2009-08-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am creating a link to the new Latex Mattress Reviews Website here so that people can click over and check it out, there is information on Latex Mattresses and Memory Foam Mattresses, there is a buyers guide and a forum. Seems pretty cool, there is a lot of different information out there about the latex mattress so the more you can read and educate yourself always helps.

Browse over to Latex-Mattress-Reviews.com and see what you think you can even shoot me a comment and let me know what you think about this new site I am linking to.

Latex Mattress Reviews, Latex Mattress Information, Latex Mattress Buyers Guide, Latex Mattress Forum.

There are also other latex mattress review websites one can browse through for information on latex and memory foam mattresses. Some of these are operated by the mattress retailer and some are more for the benefit of the consumer, so gather as much information as you can, so you can ensure yourself that you are making a well informed buying decision.

Consumer Search
Epinions
Sleep Like The Dead
What the Best Mattress

The Benefits Of Selecting A Latex Mattress by Peter Bishop

2006-05-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

The best way to start your day is by doing so after a quality, restful nights sleep. One of the factors contributing to a comfortable rest is that of a mattress. The bed and accessories that we choose often plays a large part in whether or not we get a good nights sleep or if we, unfortunately, suffer from loss of the same. It´s a well known fact that individuals who suffer from loss of sleep have difficulty concentrating, become irritable throughout the day and generally have an overall feeling of the blahs.
Latex mattresses are created using the sap from rubber trees and feature a combination of natural and synthetic latex. This material is the most naturally cushioning available. These mattresses have been shown to be mold, bacteria and mildew resistant. In addition, because dust mites will not live in a natural rubber environment, latex mattresses may help to eliminate dust mites which cause inflammation for allergy sufferers. Their hypo-allergenic quality is an appealing feature to those with allergies. Because of it´s breathability, latex mattresses will keep their owner warmer during those cold winter months while also keeping them cooler in the summer.
The latex mattresses has the ability to support any sleeping position and absorb those movements, which can often guarantee the owner a restful nights sleep. Latex foam mattresses provide even support through the spine and conforms to the body shape during sleep. It reduces pressure points by offering comfort in otherwise unsupported areas. During sleep, the body loses a large percentage of moisture. Latex mattresses are breathable, which prevents heat and body moisture from being a discomfort. In addition, they are free of odors and environmentally safe.
Latex mattresses have the appearance of any other mattress. They are available in a variety of sizes, including twin, queen, full and king. In addition, they feature designs and other characteristics found in almost every mattress available on the market. The main difference being the features, which latex offers in a class all it´s own.
Latex mattresses are generally more expensive than other typical mattresses found in the world of retail. However, when you factor in the many benefits and comparisons to other similar products, the investment may be worth it. Depending on your own personal bedding needs, latex mattresses can be ideal if you suffer from tossing and turning just to find a comfortable spot, wake up with achy muscles or joints because of poor support or if you are an allergy sufferers. With advanced technology, mattresses have come along way. They are no longer just about a brand name, size or strength. They are about comfort and relaxation, which is so much more important than just a brand name.
The information in this article should not be construed as medical advice or opinions. If you have questions or concerns regarding health issues, possible treatments or other remedies, you should contact a licensed medical doctor immediately. A qualified physician will be able to recommend the best treatment for your individual diagnosis. This article should not replace any such advice and is to be used for informational purposes only.
About the Author
Peter Bishop
Entrepreneur and Latex Mattress Online-Business owner from Colorado with a strong interest in alternative medicine.

Need Help To Sleep? - Try a Memory Foam Mattress

2006-05-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Have you been tossing and turning all night and you really don't want to get up and start the day with a smile? The reason could be that your body can’t relax as it can’t find a comfortable position to sleep in, one that is supportive in all the right places such as knees, hip, waist and neck. One solution to this problem is to change to a memory foam mattress – however this is an expensive option, so how about trying a memory foam pillow or mattress topper in the first instance?
Developed for NASA in the 1970's, memory foam was to provide comfortable support for astronauts at take off and landing, it didn't become available in the shops until the 1990's. Since that time the market has grown and is still growing very quickly, especially as the medical profession recommend its use for the relief of back pain and pressure sores. Although the first manufacturer was Tempur-Pedic ® and used mainly in hospitals, the company soon heard that patients who used the foam, slept better, and they expanded production to sell to everyone. Since then other manufacturers have developed their own memory foam products. The largest producers now appear to be China and the Far East.
How does it give you help to sleep? Memory foam is visco-elastic which means that it responds to temperature change by becoming softer when it is warm and harder when it is cold. That means that your body warmth softens the immediate area of foam and it moulds to your shape. A word of warning here - with the cheaper, lower density foams, the foam can become as hard as a board when the real cold weather sets in or it might turn into soft goo on hot summer nights! The more expensive brands guarantee that they will perform in the way they should through a wide range of temperatures.
If you're still not sure why not try a foam pillow or a memory foam pad in the first instance. Most manufacturer’s offer a selection of products and the better ones will offer a trial period and longer guarantees too so that if the product doesn’t suit you, you can hand it back.
How do you choose a memory foam mattress? There are differences in the way mattresses are made so it is important to find out from a retailer how they are put together and which type of construction would suit you best. Rule of thumb - mattresses can either have three or four inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core. More depth isn't necessarily right either as you might sink in too far before reaching the core! If you sleep on your front you should purchase 2 inch (5cm approx.) foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should buy a foam memory mattress with three inch (7.5cm approx) foam and large/heavy people or back sleepers should buy the four inch (10cm approx).
There are lots of advantages but what about the disadvantages? Why wasn’t memory foam used by NASA? Foam is a man-made product that gives off gases when it's new. In your home this wears off in a very short space of time, but could have been a hazard in a space capsule! Nevertheless, if you are sensitive to this type of gas, you should think about finding a natural product like a foam latex mattress.
Steve is a software developer and is now looking for ways to make life more comfortable. An important part of Steve's current research is concerned with improving the quality of his sleep time and the website "The Memory Foam Mattress" has been created to share this research with you. http://www.thememoryfoammattress.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Gee

Link Exchange Directory

2006-05-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Any webmaster working to promote his site should look into the value of exchanging links. There is a great program that allows you to instantly exchange links with thousands of other sites with very little effort. To get the full details of how you can increase the linking popularity of your site check out the link exchange program offered here.

Latex Mattresses - Comfortable, Renewable, and Biodegradable

2006-03-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

A latex mattress is not exactly the same thing as a memory foam bed. Latex is a naturally biodegradable sap from the rubber trees of Indonesia and Malaysia. It is collected in a process not unlike getting maple syrup from a tree. This liquid latex is shipped in drums to different parts of Europe and the United States where it is then turned into mattresses, toppers, and pillows. Since it is 100% natural and renewable; it is hypoallergenic and breathable because of the open cell structure to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Latex does not have the detrimental effects on the environment as other materials do because of the renewable properties. Bacteria or mold and mildew cannot live in latex mattresses, making them great for kid’s rooms. Studies prove that latex is three times more resistant to dust mites than traditional mattresses. Most memory foam beds have some form of self recovery foam. It may or may not be latex. Some people are severely allergic to latex. Be sure you ask exactly what your mattress is made of before you purchase.

A form of latex used in mattresses is blended and called Talalay. This latex is springy and less like a marshmallow. This process blends synthetics, chemical or petroleum additives with natural latex for a long lasting effect. It is also a good form of memory foam pad bedding. You do not have to flip these mattresses because of superior quality. Most of the mattresses include a removable satin skin casing. You will feel supported while sitting or laying down. Air mattresses or other styles of adjustable mattresses do not have the benefits of latex as you are sleeping on a pocket of air. They offer less body support and less relief on the pressure points than a latex mattress. The adjustability of the air beds is their only advantage over a newer latex foam mattress. You may also need to replace your traditional mattresses more often than the latex bed. Viscoelastic foam has a life of only about 10 years while natural latex is much longer. The advantages of latex mattresses have been studied and tested for over twenty years in Europe and it has been proven that latex offers a distinct comfort and support advantage over other sleep systems. If you want to feel good in more ways than one about your mattress purchase; buy a mattress made of biodegradable and renewable latex. It is good for your health and good for the environment.

Bev Marshall is a successful freelance writer, Aromatherapist and Feng Shui consultant offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying a duvet cover, mattress, bedspread, baby bedding, comforter, bedding and more. Her many articles can be found online. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Marshall

Natural Latex Foam Mattresses: A Healthy Alternative to Memory Foam

2006-03-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know that natural latex foam mattresses, made from the latex sap of the rubber tree, are a much safer alternative to the popular memory foam mattresses? Memory foam mattresses, like most commercially available mattresses, are made from petroleum based polyurethane foam, an extremely flammable material. Known as "solid gasoline" by firefighters, the polyurethane foam in most commercially available mattresses burns so furiously that strict new fire resistance standards have been written into law, starting with California in 2005 and going nationwide in 2006. These strict new fire resistance standards are being met by tripling the amount of fire retardant chemicals, called PDBEs, that are added to manufacture memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers.

Most mattress purchasers are unaware of the fire danger posed by polyurethane mattresses. But the greater danger may be the higher concentrations of PDBEs used to help prevent combustion in memory foam mattresses. PDBEs build up in the body in ways similar to banned PCBs, and they have been linked to cancer and other illnesses. PDBEs have already been banned in Europe, but not in North America. Some medical researchers believe that the extra load of PDBEs in newly made mattresses will cause millions of cancer cases in the coming decades. Because you lie directly on your mattress for 8 hours every night, your body has its greatest contact with the dangerous PDBEs while you sleep, and they pass right through your skin.

The solution to the PDBE problem is to do what the Europeans already do, sleep on natural latex mattresses. Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of the tropical rubber tree. Natural latex foam does not burn well, and most natural latex mattresses are also quilted with organic cotton and wool which makes them very fire resistant, complying with all current fire codes.

Latex foam comes a variety of densities for different firmness needs, and, unlike memory foam, it doesn't have to heat up to cradle the body--the effect is immediate. Most people find 100% natural latex foam mattresses to be incredibly comfortable, relieving pressure points and improving circulation. Another great characteristic of latex is its durability. Latex mattresses have been known to last up to 30 years. Because of their resilience, latex mattresses do not need to be turned like innerspring mattresses.

Because latex mattresses do not have innersprings, they require a firmer foundation than the traditional boxsprings. Latex mattresses can be used with a platform bed, a slat foundation which looks like traditional boxsprings, but has slats on the top, or a solid wood foundation, which also looks like boxsprings but has a plywood top usually covered by fabric.

Chemical-free natural latex mattresses are produced by a number of North American manufacturers, the largest of which are Vivetique - Crown City Mattress, located in South El Monte, California, and Obasan, located in Ottawa, Canada. There are also a number of European importers of natural latex foam mattresses, the biggest of which is Green Sleep from Belgium.

Retailers of natural latex mattresses include a variety of local mattress stores who carry products from these manufacturers. There are also nationwide web retailers, like Dax Stores, which usually have the best prices for these natural latex mattresses.

Mark Sweiger (msweiger@NOSPAMearthlink.net) is a freelance reporter on home and garden topics and ecological news. He strongly recommends that you protect your health and safety by sleeping on a latex mattress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Mark_Sweiger

Tips for Buying Foam Mattress

2006-03-16T23:07:00.000-08:00

Most of us have been using spring mattresses for years and we have been accustomed to it. When it comes to changing the mattress we start thinking of buying a latex or memory foam mattress and start asking queries as to which one is the best.

Latex is a white liquid collected from rubber particles in the rubber making process. The liquid is then made into foam and is used to make mattresses. Latex is a natural product and provides the best support while sleeping in any position.

Latex mattresses are anti allergic and dust resistible. While you toss and turn at night, you will feel very comfortable and won’t feel any pressure when you turn to your right and left. The very important feature of latex is, it keeps a person warm in winter and cool in summer.

Latex is manufactured by beating the liquid rubber and converting it into foam and putting the liquid into a mold. Then CO2 is passed on to the rods in the mold and heat is also sent with the correct temperature to make good latex foam.

The memory foam mattresses are made with foam and while buying a memory foam mattress the first thing to be asked is about the density of the foam, (the higher the density the better the foam) whether it is anti allergic and anti microbial? Whether the company provides warranty and shipping or not. Memory foam mattress is very comfortable and people having neck and backache are very happy using this.

Though both latex and memory foam mattress are good it depends upon the person on which mattress to buy? Some like memory foam mattresses while some like latex mattresses.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1515.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Cris

Popularity Of Latex Mattresses

2006-03-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

The mattress market is seeing a dramatic shift in the way people are buying beds. More and more people are seeing that the right bed can play a key role in being well rested and ache free.

Consequently they are turning away from their conventional innerspring mattresses which create pressure points that cause tossing and turning in search of a better alternative. Tempurpedic has poured money into advertising their viscoelastic memory foam mattresses, fueling interest in spring free mattresses.

People who are allured by the intrigue of the “space foam” are often unfulfilled by the lifeless feel of memory foam, and begin searching in a new direction. As a result latex mattress makers are experiencing a substantial boom in sales.

Latex international, the top US manufacturer of latex mattress components and latex pillows, is currently generating sales around $80 million a year showing an average increase of approximately 30 percent a year since 2001. With high end mattresses showing an industry average increase of roughly 20 percent, latex mattress producers are ahead of the curve.

This astounding and steady increase in sales is not because of some ingenious new marketing scheme, it simply reflects the consumer response to a quality product. Latex mattresses provide a sleeping surface that relieves pressure points better than memory foam.

They are naturally dust mite resistant and anti microbial, which makes an incredible difference to people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Unlike other mattresses on the market today latex mattresses are biodegradable, and are made from natural, sustainable resources. With an average life span of 20 years, nearly twice those of other beds, latex mattresses outlast the competition.

Looking to the future this trend has no end in sight. With the price of polyurethane foam recently jumping a whopping 55% due to factory closures, the margin between premium latex mattresses and other mattresses narrows giving latex the clear advantage.

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Hermsen

Visco Memory Foam Mattress Guide

2006-03-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

Visco Memory Foam Mattress Guide
by: Charles "Chuck" Harmon

A visco memory foam mattress gets it's name from the visco-elastic material developed for NASA in the early 1970's in conjunction with the space program.

The astronauts in the space program were facing incredible g-forces, at take-off and re-entry, and the materials that were available, at that time, weren't sufficient to cushion their bodies.

Of course, they weren't looking for a memory foam mattress, they needed seating that was more like a big, overstuffed recliner.

Visco memory foam was developed from foam that had some unique characteristics, such as being open celled and able to return to their original shape and resiliency after being compressed.

You may have seen the commercial with the 30 ton steam roller smashing a mattress flat and how it slowly returns to it's exact original shape...or maybe you're more familiar with the picture of a hand above a mattress with the hand print still showing on it.

Both illustrations are meant to show you the slow recovery of visco memory foam.

Because the billions of cells, in a visco memory foam mattress, are open, air can slowly escape from them and pass into other cells that are adjacent.

As you lie on a visco memory foam mattress, it "melts away" from you until your body is completely and evenly supported over it's entire surface.

That's what has been termed by some as feeling like you're floating in space. (Even though I love my mattress, I've never felt like that was a good explanation of how it feels)

A visco memory foam mattress is temperature sensitive, so it reacts to your body temperature by softening where your body is in contact with the mattress. If you have an injury, with a fever, the mattress is softer under that place on your body.

In the beginning developments of this material, it was too expensive to be used for residential consumer mattresses and pillows.

Over time, the manufacturing costs have been whittled to a point that a good memory foam mattress is as reasonably priced as a good innerspring mattress and there is no comparison in the comfort of the two.

Memory foam is now being combined with other materials to meet the needs of the vast multitude of consumers who are looking for:

a better night's sleep

relief from back, neck or leg pain

relief from a partner's restless movement

better circulation

a compromise to a softer feel for one person while maintaining the support the other person is used to from a firm mattress

Schedule some time to do some memory foam mattress pricing comparisons and you'll see that you can, affordably, be sleeping on a mattress that is great for your body, health and your budget.

© Charles C Harmon Co
About The Author

Charles "Chuck" Harmon is a the author of several articles including The 5 Deadliest Sins Most People Commit When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress...And How To Avoid Them. Get the article at: http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org/Memory-Foam-5-Sins-Optin.html

Memory Foam Mattresses Under Oath...The Truth and Nothing But The Truth

2006-03-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Memory Foam Mattresses Under Oath...The Truth and Nothing But The Truth
by: Charles "Chuck" Harmon

Are you thinking about buying a memory foam mattress?

Are you confused about all the hype and confusing claims made by the different advertisements for memory foam?

I've set out to clear the air, remove the "smoke and mirrors", and put into one article all the true information you'll need to make a selection that will thrill you, give you years of value and make poor sleep a thing of the past.

The term "memory foam" or "visco-elastic memory foam" was coined in the early days of NASA's space program. That's why it's also known as NASA foam.

Sometimes, a memory foam mattress is referred to as a NASA foam mattress.

During lift-off, astronauts were being subjected to tremendous g-forces that the human body just wasn't designed to endure.

The need for a new material, that would make these conditions tolerable for the astronauts, spawned the research that resulted in the invention of this brand new kind of foam.

If water, springs, air or any combination of those things had been an alternative, the expensive research that followed wouldn't have been needed, and the need for a new material wouldn't have existed.

Visco-elastic foam has unique qualities.

It is able to mold itself to the shape of any object that puts pressure on it and, yet, when the object is removed, it will slowly return to it's original shape.

The picture that comes to mind is the hand above the memory foam mattress that still has the hand print showing on it.

Memory foam is an open celled foam, which means that air is free to move from one cell to another, so when pressure is applied, the affected cells collapse and you feel sort of like you're floating down into the material.

This collapsing of the cells allows the material to "melt away" from pressure until the entire surface of your body is evenly supported over the surface of the memory foam.

It virtually eliminates pressure points.

Another unique feature of a memory foam mattress is temperature sensitivity.

Within a short time of your body lying on the mattress, your body temperature will start to cause the memory foam to soften.

Any area of your body that has excess heat, such as a fevered injury, will cause the mattress to soften even further where it is touching, making memory foam the ideal material for a comfortable mattress.

The problem with the NASA foam was that it "off gassed", putting off a smell that was overpowering in the confined quarters of a space vehicle.

It was eventually scrapped by NASA. To my knowledge, it was never actually used on any space mission.

At that point, memory foam was just too expensive to be used for mattresses and the off-gassing wouldn't have been acceptable either.

A few medical research companies started experimenting with the material for use in hospitals.

Many patients develop bedsores when confined to bed over long periods of time.

Because it was cost effective for this application, these experiments led to using memory foam in a variety of health industry settings to alleviate pressure points in hospital patients.

Through this medical research, memory foam became more and more adaptable to use as a consumer product in the form of pillows, mattresses, toppers, chairs, etc.

The Memory Foam Mattress Industry Was Born

The memory foam mattress industry started slowly in the early 1990's and then shot into the mainstream in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

So much so, that it's difficult to find a magazine, newspaper, or television that doesn't have several ads for memory foam products running continuously.

With that kind of demand for the product it's no wonder that a lot of people started forming companies to manufacture and sell to an audience with this enormous appetite.

And, yes, as in all industries, some companies are born just to make inferior products and, then, using terminology that is confusing or misleading, capitalize on the lack of good information that's available to consumers.

So let's clear some of the confusion with a few simple facts.

What Is The Difference Between Good And Bad Memory Foam

Memory foam is graded by it's density. Imagine yourself cutting a huge "dice" (yeah, like the kind you throw on the crap table) out of memory foam 12"x12"x12" and slapping it onto the scale in your doctor's office.

The weight of that 12" sized cube is how you determine density.

For example, if your "dice" weighed 5.9 lbs. it's considered to have a density of 5.9, or if it weighs 3.2 lbs. the density is rated as 3.2.

Pretty simple, really, isn't it. Like most things, we all thought density would be determined by some E=IR formula or something terribly complex.

You, now, know more about density than most of the sales people in your local mattress store.

It's also a fact that the less dense foams are made mostly of air, not foam. Less foam, less cost to manufacture...they can sell it cheaper.

For most memory foam mattresses, it's a fact that the human body is best supported by a density of 5.3 lbs. to 5.9 lbs.

Any heavier than this and it tends to be too dense and won't allow the proper cell collapsing that allows your body to settle into it.

Any lighter and you don't get the needed support in the hip and shoulder areas.

Another problem is that the lighter foams won't continue to return to their original shape after a relatively short lifespan. They'll lose their comfort.

Some of the 5.3+ lb. mattresses are still going strong after 15 years being just as comfortable to their users as the first day...and with no body impressions.

Remember, too, that we discussed temperature sensitivity.

Not all foam being advertised as "memory foam" is temperature sensitive.

Make sure it has this feature so you get that "fine tuned" comfort.

A better memory foam mattress will contain 3 1/2", or more, of memory foam as a top layer.

Any less than this probably won't keep you from bottoming out and laying on the underlying base layers of foam.

Those foams aren't meant to be in contact with your body and won't comfortable for you.

They are there to help the memory foam do it's job correctly.

Just remember density and temperature sensitivity, when you go shopping for your memory foam mattress and you'll be miles ahead when you purchase.

© Charles C Harmon Co.
About The Author

Chuck Harmon is a the author of several articles including The 5 Deadliest Sins Most People Commit When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress...And How To Avoid Them. Get the article at: http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org/Memory-Foam-5-Sins-Optin.html

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

2006-03-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?
by: Charles "Chuck" Harmon

Have you ever wondered how anyone got the idea to start sleeping on springs in the first place?

I mean, think about it for a minute, what would it feel like to lay down on the bare springs?

And why is it, that laying on springs with some kind of material over them, is considered any better?

The creation of a coil spring mattress was first documented, by patent, in 1865, and there have only been a couple of minor changes, to that original design, in the following 140 years.

During that same period, we went from plowing fields with oxen, to men living in space.

Don't you think it's conceivable that we could find new ideas and materials to improve the mattresses we spend 1/3 of our life on?

The differences, between a regular coil spring mattress and a memory foam mattress, will be presented, to help you understand the difference.

The Difference In Total Body Support

One way, in which a memory foam mattress is better for you is the characteristic of total body support.

A memory foam mattress and a coil spring mattress differ greatly in this respect. A coil spring mattress makes your body conform to it.

The pressure, or force, from the coil springs, in the mattress, is exerted against your body.

It's kind of like a push and shove match. You're pushing down on the springs, forcing them to retreat and they're shoving back against you, trying to uncoil.

On a coil spring mattress, your body must adjust to the mattress's shape.

This is why you complain of sore muscles and stiffness, when you wake up in the morning.

With a memory foam mattress, the opposite happens.

The foam material conforms to your body, because your body exerts it's force onto it.

So, as you lay down, you will feel the memory foam altering to accommodate you, leaving you with a feeling of total relaxation.

It is because of this ability, of a memory foam mattress, to totally support your body and adjust to your weight, that the movements of the other person in the bed will not affect you.

Since coil spring mattresses do not conform to you, they cannot spread your weight evenly.

Another Difference Is Temperature Sensitivity

Another difference, between coil spring and memory foam mattresses, is that memory foam mattresses have the ability to respond to different temperatures.

The memory foam is able to sense the different temperatures of your body and either remain firm or soften.

This leaves you with a nice cozy feeling when it has absorbed your heat and softened up.

Coil spring mattresses are unable to do this. They cannot react to your body heat, and this is why someone, who is sick with a fever, would feel more comfortable on a memory foam mattress.

Plan a trip to your local mattress store to try lying on the coil mattress vs. the memory foam mattress and see if you don't agree that there's no comparison in comfort levels.

Copyright 2006 Charles C Harmon Co.
Charles "Chuck" Harmon researches and writes consumer awareness articles. Get his free report: How To Avoid The 5 Deadliest Sins Most People Commit When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress at: http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Natual Latex Mattress

2006-03-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Natural Latex Mattress
by: Ben Hermsen

1. Latex mattresses are a natural, biodegradable renewable resource:

Beginning on plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia, latex is sap milked from rubber trees in a manner not unlike collecting maple syrup. Local workers harvest the liquid latex and prepare it to be processed. The liquid latex is then shipped in drums to locations in Europe and the United States where it is manufactured into mattress cores and toppers, as well as pillows. Unlike Talalay processed latex foams, natural latex has no added petroleum or other chemical additives making it a truly all natural material. Being a 100% renewable resource, as well as biodegradable, natural latex does not have the taxing effect on the environment as other conventional bedding material.

2. In bedding, natural latex provides support where it is needed most by contouring to the body’s natural nuances:

It relieves pressure points, particularly at the shoulders and hips, and it allows for better circulation with less tossing and turning. The result is a deeper, more restful slumber.

3. Natural latex is remarkably conducive to situations that require custom mattresses:

Available in a wide range of firmness levels, it is simple to build a mattress that caters to an individual’s needs: his and her sided beds, toppers, and more. Because of the wide variety of firmness variations available, natural latex can help ensure you feel as comfortable as possible when it matters most. Integrating an open cell structure with a pin core design allows for maximum breathability essential for removing excess heat and moisture that can prevent a good night’s sleep.

4. For those who struggle with allergies natural latex provides a safe haven as it is naturally hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial:

This means that molds, mildew, and dust mites that may help trigger allergies will not be waiting for you in bed, where they can be the most frustrating.

5. A naturally resilient and durable material, natural latex will supply consistent performance for 20 years or more.

6. The Advantages of Latex mattresses have been tried, tested and proven in Europe for decades:

Unlike the plethora of new age sleep systems available today, latex mattresses have been tried and tested in Europe for over twenty years. Their ability to withstand the test of time as well as provide an all-natural sleep surface that conforms to the contours of the body is finally beginning to catch hold in the United States.

7. Other new age sleep systems cannot offer the same qualities as natural latex:

Viscoelastic (memory) foam offers good support and relieves pressure points, but comes up short in other areas. It is a chemical product that is not biodegradable and as such it is not environmentally friendly. It doesn’t breathe like natural latex, which translates to a more stuffy and sticky sleeping environment. Memory foam easily retains moisture and is an environment prone to dust mites and molds, leaving allergy sufferers sniffing and congested during what should be the most restful time of the day. Being far less resilient than natural latex, viscoelastic foam has a lifespan of only about 10 years, meaning it will need to be replaced twice as often:

8. Air beds, such as sleep number beds, offer much less support and pressure point relief than natural latex:

They are non-breathable bladders full of air so they offer no way to keep moisture and heat from building up during the night. The only advantage of this type of mattress is its adjustability, which is only an advantage to those who enjoy varying firmnesses.

9. Innerspring mattresses seem a thing of the past when compared to natural latex - they don’t provide nearly the amount of support and customization opportunities:

Frequent tossing and turning is the result of pressure points caused by a rigid spring system. The batting material in the cover cultivates any amount of dust mites, molds, and fungi giving them free range to reek havoc on allergies. Motion is easily transferred through the mattress decreasing the quality of sleep for couples. It is clear why the standard is changing.

10. The independent cell construction of natural latex is not prone to transfer movement allowing two people to comfortably share the same bed without disrupting each other with every motion.

Natural latex provides excellent support and effectively relieves pressure points. Couples can sleep soundly together without disruption. It is a natural product and is environmentally sound. Designed to be breathable it is effective in keeping heat and moisture build up to a minimum for more comfortable sleep. Finally, it is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial to keep allergy sufferers well rested. It is easy to see why natural latex is far and away the best natural sleeping surface available.

About The Author

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress enginner, is a manager for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment.

Popularity of Latex Mattresses

2006-03-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

Popularity of Latex Mattresses
by: Ben Hermsen

The mattress market is seeing a dramatic shift in the way people are buying beds. More and more people are seeing that the right bed can play a key role in being well rested and ache free.

Consequently they are turning away from their conventional innerspring mattresses which create pressure points that cause tossing and turning in search of a better alternative. Tempurpedic has poured money into advertising their viscoelastic memory foam mattresses, fueling interest in spring free mattresses.

People who are allured by the intrigue of the “space foam” are often unfulfilled by the lifeless feel of memory foam, and begin searching in a new direction. As a result latex mattress makers are experiencing a substantial boom in sales.

Latex international, the top US manufacturer of latex mattress components and latex pillows, is currently generating sales around $80 million a year showing an average increase of approximately 30 percent a year since 2001. With high end mattresses showing an industry average increase of roughly 20 percent, latex mattress producers are ahead of the curve.

This astounding and steady increase in sales is not because of some ingenious new marketing scheme, it simply reflects the consumer response to a quality product. Latex mattresses provide a sleeping surface that relieves pressure points better than memory foam.

They are naturally dust mite resistant and anti microbial, which makes an incredible difference to people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Unlike other mattresses on the market today latex mattresses are biodegradable, and are made from natural, sustainable resources. With an average life span of 20 years, nearly twice those of other beds, latex mattresses outlast the competition.

Looking to the future this trend has no end in sight. With the price of polyurethane foam recently jumping a whopping 55% due to factory closures, the margin between premium latex mattresses and other mattresses narrows giving latex the clear advantage.

About The Author

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment.

Latex Mattress Blog Coming Soon

2006-03-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

The new Latex Mattress Information & Reviews Blog is now being developed and will be fully launched by the end of March. This informational resource will have the most recent and relevant industry & retail based articles. Anyone shopping for a latex mattress, memory foam mattress or any other advanced sleep system will find this blog valuable when making the important decision of what to sleep on for the years to come. Quality, price, and customer service shall be the main areas of focus when scouting out new products and sites for review and inclusion in our informational resource. Check back throughout the month of march as we will be "up and running" soon. We look forward to aiding you as you seek the correct information to make an "informed" buying decision. Good luck! We'll talk again soon.