What's "Better"? A Hard or Soft Mattress?

There's an age-old question among sleepers – whether to buy a hard mattress or a soft one. Either side hosts strong allegiances, and will claim that their version is better for the back, more comfortable, and a clear choice all should make. They also claim that their version is better for the muscles, as well as for posture in general. But which type of mattress is actually better? And what type of surface should you be sleeping on? 

The answer might actually be somewhere in-between. In a recent report of mattress softness ratios, where 1 is extremely firm and 10 is as soft as it gets, results showed the least amount of back pain came with mattresses measuring at 5.6.

Additional research shows that when a mattress is too firm, it puts unnecessary pressure on joints and bones, especially those that are more likely to sit unevenly, like the hips and shoulders (when sleeping on the side). Additionally, when sleeping on the back, a surface that's too firm won't let the body "settle" and properly displace weight. 

Meanwhile, a mattress that is too soft won't offer up support at all. It will let the rear and lower back sink, rather than holding them upright. Though these mattresses might feel comfortable at first, as a long-term solution they can actually cause more harm than good. This is also true of mattresses that are too worn, even if they are firm (or were initially). 

When mattress shopping, consider a version that's in-between normal soft and firm standards. This in-between version can provide plenty of ongoing support, while offering back posture right where it's needed. Additional pain prevention can be found with toppers or support pillows that are specially designed for body posture. 

Start browsing available options on ContourLiving.com today.

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Tips for Mattress Removal/Recycling

When opting for a new mattress set, one of the hardest parts is getting rid of the old model. There may be an empty storage room down the hall, or a room in need of a guest sleeping option – but what about houses that are already up to its rafters in beds? Or what about older past-their-prime beds that just need to be pitched? From selling, to recycling, there can be several ways to make easy departure of your old friend.

The next time you decide to buy, follow this simple guide for keeping your home to the optimal mattress ratio.

Have it Hauled Away

More often than not, the furniture store will have your old model hauled away for free. Ask when shopping for the new bed, which can sweeten the pot without upping the price. Be sure to remove sheets and clear any personal items from the delivery path to ensure a quick and easy transfer.

However, if it’s not offered free of charge, you can always pay for pick up, or take your mattress to the dump (which will cost you a few dollars as well).

Sell your Old Bed

For newer models that still have several years to live, recoup some of your money with a sale. Host a garage sale, spread the word to friends, or take out an ad in the paper or online. This likely won’t pay the bill in full, but is a nice way to offset some of the sticker shock of a brand new bed.

Recycle It

Depending on the size of your city, there may be available options to recycle or repurpose your old mattress. Check city websites, local charities, recycling plants or host a Craigslist ad in the “free” section. You just may find and an artist or creative type looking for old mattresses. (Be honest about the condition so others can decide whether its worthy for sleeping or if it’s recycle-able material.)

No matter what the future holds for your bed, there are plenty of safe, environmentally safe options to explore. Consider each for a painless way to free up your bedroom floor.

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New Mattresses: Why Now’s the Time to Buy

When it comes to big purchases, tomorrow, next month, or even next year is always “the best time to buy.” Because these items are expensive and bulky, we rarely make purchase until it’s a necessity. But when it comes to your mattress, the surface you sleep on every single night, buying now just may be the best bet.

Thanks to a waning market, mattress companies are offering amazing deals and incentives. And so far, their price cuts haven’t seen end in sight. For instance, on top of already great deals, mattress shops are offering buy-one-get-one-free offers – essentially a 50% discount. You may not need dual mattress sets, but maybe you have a friend or family member who’s also looking to buy. Or, take home the free model and sell it at a ridiculous discount. Since the model you already got was such a great deal, any sales profit is just an added bonus.

Other incentives are coming in the form of electronics, like free iPads or TVs (Some of which offset the price of the bed itself.) And of course, all of this comes on top of free deliveries, warranties, and a great price.

Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Even with models only a few years old, many are still opting to take advantage of these ongoing deals. Rather than paying full price once their current bed runs out of comfort power, they’re nipping the problem in the bud. Older models can then be sold or put in storage for safekeeping.

No matter the scenario, however, there is no denying that it’s a great time to purchase your next mattress. From a fancy pillow top to even the most basic of models, companies are offering ongoing deals that are almost impossible to resist.

Consider finding your next bed today and use the slow market to your advantage.

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Invest in Good Rest

When is the RIGHT time to invest in a new mattress?

It is simply in our human nature to “invest.” Certainly from a monetary perspective, “investing” in our everyday lives is inevitable; from choosing to pump the Supreme Unleaded gasoline versus Regular into our already high-priced and motorized “investment” ensuring it drives to optimal performance, to investing in copious amounts of department store cosmetics and skin care products to ensure that natural, radiant glowing face shines brightly each morning, down to the simple investment in our daily cup of exorbitantly trendy coffee we so rely on to start the morning off right. So why should investing in a quality night’s sleep be any different?

In terms of following in the (Americanized) investment footsteps: it shouldn’t. A good mattress is certainly a worthy venture to invest upon. The act of replacing a worn mattress with a new quality-crafted mattress can work mere wonders Not only is it the key to a quality night’s sleep, but crucial to a healthy neck, back and spine. The bottom line: a well-produced mattress can mean the difference of waking up feeling energized or leave you stiff as a board.

So when is the time for an upgrade? Experts suggest to upgrade about every ten years or so. However, superior comfort and overall support take precedence. The main objective in the investment of a new mattress is to be able to fully relax the body as you slumber the night away, with little to no tossing or turning, and with enough support underneath the body to avoid any pain or discomfort whatsoever.

It is also a good idea to check your old mattress for any obvious imperfections. Rips, tears, lumps or sagging in the pad or pillow itself could signal the need for a new investment. Aside from the more obvious indications of a need exist some less obvious; tuning into your body and assessing your needs of the present day as opposed to the needs that your body may have called for year prior will guide you through the mattress-shopping experience. Bodies change and so do our nightly necessities. Certain areas of the back or neck may require a bit more padding now than at one time. Certain sleep positions may cause the onset of snoring or sleep apnea if not supported correctly. Take a moment to reassess your personal needs at the present moment to truly reap the benefits of a quality mattress.

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Make Beds Easier and Eliminate Back Pain

Eliminate back pain while making beds!   The Bed Made EZ is a great new tool designed to reduce strain to the back, neck, and shoulders when lifting of heavy mattresses (to make the bed!).  Many mattresses in today's homes weigh over 150 pounds and create an increased risk of injury while changing sheets.  As more customers choose luxury class mattresses, this trend is increasing. This simple tool can save you (or a loved one) from back pain plus it provides a new level of independence. When making a bed, tucking in just the sheets alone requires your mattress to be lifted at least eight times - all from a stooped position of only 14” off the ground. This awkward twisting and lifting motion contributes to the back pain and is experienced by 85% of the population. How does it work? The Bed MadeEZ: Slick surface inserts effortlessly between box spring and mattress, lifting the top mattress as it slides in. It alleviates strain to back, neck and shoulders Holds mattress in raised position eliminating repeated lifting. Can be used to tuck in linens. Comes with a full replacement LIFE TIME warranty Perfect for maids, homecare workers or anyone who makes a bed!

"The Bed MadeEZ is a unique device that can significantly reduce the physical stress of making a bed" - Dr. Thomas Cowell, certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and active member of the Florida Chiropractic Association

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Mattress Wear Described

As mattresses age, the core support begins to degrade causing sagging and reduced comfort. This is a significant cause of back pain and general discomfort during sleep.

Over time, mattresses wear in the center area, generally in the shape of a large clover. Typically, the loads placed on the mattress surface results in weakening of the springs and the support material on either side of the springs. The sag is not always visually evident, but, the concavity becomes much more apparent when weight is applied - like a person. Different size mattresses tend to wear in very different patterns, depending on the width of the mattress and number of people sleeping on the surface. Read on to discover typical wear patterns of different sized mattresses and how the Mattress Remedy is designed to effectively combat each unique problem.

Twin Size Mattress Wear: Twin size mattresses wear in a simple pattern. Since the twin bed supports one person, generally in the center of the mattress. Wear starts in the middle, concentrated where the hips are, and progresses to where it affects back support and overall sleep quality and body comfort. The Contour Mattress Remedy is very effective at reducing this sag.

Based on recent trials, the twin mattress can actually become extremely supportive, even to the extent of hyper-elevating the middle area which is much more comfortable for stomach sleepers. The level of support varies by individual preference and is controlled by an adjustable valve on the side of the unit. From the mattress side view, as the Mattress remedy is inflated, you can easily see the transformation and improved support of the spine.

Full and Queen Size mattress Wear: In Full and Queen size mattresses, the wear pattern generally starts on either side of the center line, where people tend to sleep (assuming two people in the bed). Initially, there are two locations of the sag. However, as the wear progresses, the two depressed areas combine to form one, larger depression. The reduced support in this area is evident, resulting in sore back and hips and an overall poor sleep experience.

An additional problem occurs as two people using the bed tend to roll toward the middle and interfere with each others sleep. It becomes very difficult to maintain respective positions on each side of the mattress. For the Full and Queen size bed, the Mattress Remedy is designed in one larger size to solve this specific wear pattern. Support is restored and people can sleep with improved spine alignment, plus stay in their respective and desired separate. Quality of sleep is improved.

King Size Mattress Wear: Mattress wear in a King size bed is different as well. The king size wear patterns (sagging) typically are located in two distinct areas of the mattress, matching the sleeping patterns of two people. The wear pattern is similar to that of two twin size beds. This is due to the larger size of the king mattress and the tendency of people to maintain their separate locations even though support is diminishing. For this reason, the King size Mattress Remedy is designed with two separate support units, linked with one inflation device. Proper support is restored to the sagging areas, providing a vastly improved sleep experience.

As an added benefit, two control valves allow each person to adjust the support and comfort level of their side of the mattress. This feature allows one side of the mattress to be firmer or softer than the other. It solves many problems that couples have with mattresses.

Research has shown that even new mattresses can begin to sag in only six months. The Mattress Remedy will extend the life of currently owned mattresses by restoring support capability and dramatically improving back support. Eliminating mattress sag will also reduce tossing and turning, proving more restful sleep. Find Solutions at www.contourliving.com.

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