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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Is your Bed Ergonomically Sound?

For most, the idea of choosing a mattress is pretty much a no-brainer. So long as it’s comfortable, within the right price range, and fits the frame, it seems to be a good choice. Right? But there’s actually a whole new side to buying mattresses that are rarely considered – ergonomics. Just like setting up one’s office desk, driver’s seat, or cooking station, a bed can be made more ergonomically sound.

It’s frequency – after all, you sleep in it every night for multiple hours at a time – makes these adjustments even more prevalent. When purchasing or setting up a new bedroom set, consider the ergonomics a comfortable night’s sleep that will help prevent future aches and pains.

What Makes Sleeping Quarters Ergonomic?

Though it can be argued that once a person’s in the bed, few other measurements matter, that’s not to say they won’t have some type of effect. For instance, hosting a bed that is too short or too tall may not seem like a big deal. But after years of jumping or slouching onto the bed, a bodily pattern begins to emerge. This may or may not be painful, but sticking to an agronomical design is the only way to avoid symptoms altogether.

Other factors include the mattress itself – obviously it should be free from indentions, lumps, or sags – as well as reading or TV watching before sleep. If regularly used for entertainment purposes, be sure your bed offers ergonomic options. This can include reclining buttons or controls, pillows that properly support, or mattress placement. Be sure that the TV angle isn’t too severe, which can help avoid neck or vision straining.

Check with an ergonomics expert, or look to placement guides to find the best fit for your specific bedroom and mattress height/placement.

Though changing your bedroom to be more ergonomic may sound like a daunting task, knowledge is half the battle. Just being aware as to what makes a healthy location decision allows you to choose better adjustments along the way. Even when a new bedroom set and/or TV location isn’t in the works.

Now What?

Remember to keep these ergonomic tips in mind when purchasing a new pillow, lounging in the recliner, or reading before bed. Self awareness can allow for a better setup and back support without spending money or rearranging the house.

However, new supportive pillows are a happy medium. Consider them for a better ergonomic flow without breaking the bank.

And to learn more about back and bedroom health, be sure to check out our Back to Health website.

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Help Me Get Off My Recliner!

No, I am not talking about couch potatoes or lazy people!  According to Kathryne Pirtle, writer for The Weston A Price Foundation, In the United States, sixty million people have acid reflux, or one in five people. Last year, hospitals recorded four hundred seventy thousand hospitalizations and almost two million emergency room visits from acid reflux.   As a result, there are many men and women who end up sleeping all night in their recliners because they have so much trouble lying down, sleeping in their own bed.  Stacking pillows in a huge pile under your head just do not seem to do the trick!  However, over time the recliner will loose its appeal and you will end up not sleeping well anywhere.  The solution is simple, invest in a good bed wedge that will allow you to sleep all night in your own bed and help alleviate some of your symptoms caused by GERD, acid reflux or sleeping disorders.

A wedge is a pillow shaped like a ramp which allows your body to rest in a gentle, natural reclining position.  The most common size bed wedge is 7 inches which is approximately a 20 degree incline starting at your head and ending at your waist.  Often, when you stack pillows to raise your head in bed you end up bending your abdomen in a way they may restrict the digestive tract which in turn, may worsen your reflux or other problems.

If you are recovering from surgery or are required to spend most of your time in bed then a taller wedge of either 10 or 12 inches may be a better choice.  In this case, a neck pillow will be useful to support your head which will allow you to be able to watch television, eat or read in bed comfortably and doze off to sleep when you get tired.

Your GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), acid reflux, belching, heartburn, sleep apnea and other breathing or digestive disorders often prevent you from getting a good nights sleep since they seem to worsen at night.  There are a number of other factors which will also increase the likelihood of a GERD flare-up including weight gain, smoking, certain foods, alcohol consumption, pregnancy and age.   Allowing gravity to help move everything toward your feet by sleeping on a bed wedge may help you get your best nights sleep ever!

Reference:
http://www.westonaprice.org/digestive-disorders/acid-reflux-a-red-flag

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CPAP Therapy Resources

Sleep Apnea patients and CPAP Therapy users - If you haven't heard about our CPAP Pillows yet - please take a look.   Below is a short video on our CPAPMax Pillow - the latest in our line of bed pillows created specifically for CPAP therapy patients.     It allows you to sleep better, accommodating your mask and reducing leaks and pressure points.  

Plus, Contour has a line of CPAP accessories designed to improve your overall sleep experience, from daily cleaners to tubing covers, we have you covered.    You can find the CPAP category of products here:   http://www.contourliving.com/c-38-cpap-supply.aspx

There is also a great facebook resource for CPAP users and Sleep Apnea patients called http://www.facebook.com/CPAPPillow.  Filled with lots of good information on the subject.  Plus, it's great community of users who share their opinions on what works and what doesn't.

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Mattress Pad Temperature Control

Temperature Tune-Up (or Down!)

 

Much like Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, the temperature must be “just right.” The air temperature of your bedroom, that is. Not too hot and certainly not too cold. Finding a comfortable air flow is a key to a better night’s sleep.

As you’re turning in for the evening, your body ideally has reached  a comfortable equilibrium or middle ground, so when the air is too warm or too cool, the body is then made to work to achieve that “happy medium” it started out with.  Dr. H. Craig Heller, professor of biology at Stanford University says “a mild drop in body temperature induces sleep. Generally, if your are in a cooler room, it is easier for that to happen. But if the room becomes uncomfortably hot or cold, your are more likely to wake up which can also affect the quality dream state of REM sleep."

Recommending a universal room temperature for quality rest sounds simple enough, but realistically, experts find it more difficult as what may be a comfortable temperature for one is not necessarily comfortable for another.  Experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advise thinking “cave-like: cool, quiet and dark, an ideal setting for bats who are known for sleeping 16 hours at a time." They also suggest limit the layers of clothing you sleep in, including socks on your feet as they tend to increase body temperature. 

If your house or bedroom tends to be on the cool, drafty side, trapping cold air, perhaps a personal space heater would warm the room just enough to keep the thermostat bill from creeping too high. Consequently if the room tends to trap heat, keep the ceiling fan running at a constant speed to allow cooler air to circulate at a more comfortable rate. With more than 70 million Americans suffering from chronic sleep disorders and sleep problems, seeking relief from these tips are seemingly necessary and will help increase energy, health and safety.

For a unique, temperature controlled bed surface, look at the ChiliPad Mattress Pad - It allows single or dual-zone control to make your bed hotter or cooler, depending on preference.  The dual-zone is perfect for two users who differ on desired temperature.   You will sleep better and you will save money by just adjusting the temperature control where you sleep, not your whole house!

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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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New Fiber Filled Support Pillow from Contour ProductsContour

Contour Products just added a new support fiber pillow designed to provide therapeutic support throughout the night. Rely on Contour Living for your bed and posture support products. Plus, buy the Contour Ortho-Fiber Pillow now and save $3!

Just spend $29 or more and save $3 off your next purchase - Enter coupon 3OFF in the coupon or gift card box, hit "Update" and the $3 discount will be reflected in the new subtotal. Hurry, This offer expires October 10th.

Check out our new Contour Ortho-Fiber Support Pillow -
Only $26 after coupon!

This new pillow combines the benefits of our Contour support technology with a fiber filled stuffing. Enjoy a cool supportive sleeping surface! Our unique therapeutic design helps relieve neck strain, shoulder aches, tension headaches and arthritis. Choose from two different lobe heights for proper spinal alignment, and help relieve neck pain (associated w/poor sleeping posture). Plus, improve airway alignment for easier breathing during the night.

A gently padded, quilted cover accommodates your head and ear area. 100% hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill comfortably supports you. Fits standard pillow case sizes.

• Choose Regular or Extra Support - This one pillow allows you to choose from two different support lobes: regular support or larger, extra support. Just flip the pillow to change support!
• Fiber Fill Material 100% Hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill comfortably support you.
• Quilted Center - Gently padded, quilted center accommodates your head and ear.
• Orthopedic Design - Supports and aligns the spine.
• Reduce Pain - Helps relieve neck pain associated with poor sleeping posture
• Breathe Easier - Improves airway alignment for smoother breathing.
• Fits Standard Size Pillow Cases

Helps Relieve:

Neck Strain - Shoulder Aches - Tension Headaches - Arthritis

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Back Max Helps Recovery from Surgery

The Back Max from Contour Products incorporates 3 wedge cushions which can be used together or in any combination for total body support. Many customers purchase the Back Max for proper positioning during recovery after surgery and body injuries. The Back max is available in standard or deluxe versions. The deluxe version adds massage to the main body cushions and includes a deluxe fleece cover and memory foam pillow.

Here are actual customer reviews provided by users of the Back Max cushions during recovery from surgeries:

* Patricia January 11, 2009: You will not go wrong buying this Product. I bought it due to Mastectomy Surgery and needed to sleep in the Inclined Possition, And could not be more Pleased with the comfort.
I highly recommend this Product. It has also helped my acid Refux issues. It will be well worth your money. Enjoy

* J Newfield February 10, 2009: I am on day 7 of having a full tummy tuck, liposuction and breast lift. At first I was worried about how this system would do in our bed since we have a pretty high bed. I had nothing to worry about. I could not have gotten through without this and recommend it to anyone getting ready to undergo a tummy tuck. It kept me elevated perfectly and I even found that the cover kept me toasty warm since the medicines I was taking for pain kept me colder than normal. It was very easy to roll to the side to get out of bed the way the doctors recommend. The only issues I had were that I liked to tuck pillows on both sides of it for arm rests. That was no problem though. It does come unzipped rather easily and I didn't love that fact but all in all I'd buy it again in a heartbeat and love whoever created this. Thank you for making my healing process easier!

* Jane March 14, 2009: This has allowed me to sleep relatively comfortably in a semi-upright position after shoulder surgery, when I have to wear a sling all the time. I found the addition of a small neck pillow helpful for neck comfort.

I had wondered about the width of the cushions, but as I'm rather small, they seem just fine. A larger person might need something wider. If the system is on a bed, you can dispense with the zipping and position the back and leg cushions at whatever distance is most comfortable.

* Anonymous April 8, 2009: This Backmax is spectacular! I have a physical condition that makes it much more comfortable to sleep on my back. Before having this I could never stay on my back for more than a half an hour. Since getting it I have always spent the whole night on my back in complete comfort. A couple of tips: 1) large safety pins work well to keep the zippered sections from coming apart, 2) an hour glass shaped neck pillow has been a good addition.

* Anne May 17, 2009: I just had knee surgery and have slept on this for 3 nights very well.
To make it work - I need a memory foam back pillow (sleeping on my back would normally cause me lower back pain).
Neck support is a problem. I tried different pillows the first night, with no luck. What works is a memory foam travel neck pillow.
When watching t.v., I just rest my head and neck on it.
When I am ready to sleep, I go ahead and wrap it around my neck, so my head is supported no matter what I do when I am asleep.
The best part is that with pillows under my surgery knee, it's elevated
straight out (the way my Dr. wants it - for the best, quickest recovery).
You do need to use pillows on either side for arm rests.
I am so glad I have this!

* Sherry June 10, 2007: This is reviewed several times at http://www.tuckthattummy.com/forum/forum.php and is very useful for recovering from tummy tuck surgery. Lot's of girls have bought it and absolutely raved about it. Had to try it myself!

Mary Anne October 16, 2006: I have had my BackMax for over a year and I absolutely love it. I use it every day. It fits perfectly on my couch. I work from home as a writer and I am able to work on my laptop (I have it on an AirDesk) while I recline with leg and calf support. (position 4) - I have had 2 major spinal surgeries and this is the most comfortable position for me when I am writing, watching TV, etc - it takes the pressure of my spine and tailbone, and helps to relieve sciatic pain. I love it - The covers come off and wash nicely in the washer and dryer. I highly recommend this product!! MaryAnn H. Pittsburgh, PA

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New Mattress Products from Contour Living

We've added several great new products for your bed and mattress at our Contour Living store. New this week are Feather Beds and Comforters from Pacific Coast Feather Company and Mattress Pads from Restful Nights. These are luxorious items designed to improve your sleep experience.

Check out the new Feather beds, Comforters and Mattress Pads Here

Some of the new products include:

• Four different Down Comforters - A variety of weights, sizes and designs so you can find the absolute perfect down comforter for your needs.
• A Down Alternative comforter - just incase you're allergic to the down feathers.
• A down feather bed - Super soft, super comfortable!
• Two cotton mattress pads from restful Nights.

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