Author Archives: Alyssa Linvill

About Alyssa Linvill

Alyssa has been in the mattress industry since 2001, and is very interested in how sleep and comfort affect our quality of life. She has done extensive research regarding the way that mattresses and sleep position both aggravate and alleviate common medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea. Currently, Alyssa is helping seniors in Central Florida get a better night's sleep at Dr Snooze, where more attention is paid to the clinical and scientific side of mattress selection. She also writes the blog for Dr Snooze, and has put out many different articles and writings about medical conditions and sleep, as well as reviews on products and ways of making sleeping and mattresses healthier.

Bed Frames: Do They Really Need Replacing?

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Mattress sales are not glamorous.  But what is the least glamorous part of your new bed?  The metal frame.  It’s the part that you think is included, but it’s probably not.  It’s the part that you don’t see, don’t care about, but can totally ruin your new mattress set.  It’s the part that you think is cheap, but since it’s made of steel, it’s not.

This is NOT an awesome frame.

This is NOT an awesome frame.

First, let’s talk about why it’s important.  It supports your foundation, which then supports your mattress.  If the frame doesn’t have a center support (for a queen or king size), you WILL damage your foundation and mattress.  Box springs aren’t designed to hold all the weight being placed on them without having support in the middle.  Conversely, if your frame is held together with the dreaded C-clamps, chances are that things have shifted a bit and the side of your foundation isn’t even on the frame anymore.  Also not good.

Second, let’s talk about why they cost so much.  They are made of steel, which is expensive.  They are heavy, and cost a lot to ship.  They are not a big money maker for mattress stores.

Third, let’s talk about your frame at home, and whether you can just use it again.  Does steel wear out?  Not really, but you want to make sure that your frame will adequately support your new, heavy mattress.  Is it the correct size?  There should be minimal room on each side of the foundation, between it and the side rails.  There should be a center support bar for queen and King frames.  There should be at least one leg extending to the ground in the middle of the bed, attached to this center support bar.  The frame should have all of the wheels/glides intact.  There should be no rust or corrosion.

This IS an awesome frame.

This IS an awesome frame.

Finally, let’s talk about why you would buy the more expensive frame, rather than the cheap-o frame.  A more expensive frame has more steel, more strength, and more of the rails touching the foundation.  There is usually a center support bar that is about 3-4” wide, extending from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed, which is especially important for king sized beds.  The wheels are wider, less likely to break, and have wheel locks.  They will be a one size only frame, meaning that they are not held together by nuts and bolts, but by wedge locks.  All in all, buying a more expensive frame will be a one time expense that you won’t have to replace.

So the next time you are buying a mattress, do your homework first and look at your frame.  If you can use it, great.  If you need a new one, spring for the best one that you can afford, and ensure that your investment in the mattress will extend as long as possible.

Students and Sleep: Improving Learning One Night at a Time

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Lucélia Ribeiro

Photo Courtesy of Lucélia Ribeiro

With school starting up again, we as parents and grandparents always try to give our children the tools that they need to succeed.  This usually means books, pencils, a back pack, and other supplies to help them learn.  But did you know what is also important for learning and memory retention?  Sleep.

Harvard University has linked lack of sleep with lack of focus, which makes sense.  What many people don’t realize is that lack of sleep not only means quantity of sleep (as in hours rested), but also quality of sleep (as in how many hours you spend in deep REM sleep). A person that goes to bed at 10pm tosses and turns until 12am, then wakes up intermittently throughout the night until waking up at 6am isn’t getting 8 hours of good, restorative sleep.  In fact, someone who goes to bed at 12am, but falls directly asleep, and stays in long REM sleep cycles will wake up feeling more rested, and more able to focus on tasks with energy.

There are three functions that need to occur during learning, according to The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School: Acquisition, Consolidation, and Recall.  Acquisition is the process of actually learning the material, such as in class or by reading.  Consolidation is the process that makes those memories of learning stable, and permanent.  Recall is the process that allows for the mind to remember this learning, thus making it useful. Consolidation occurs while we are sleeping.  Although scientists aren’t sure how, the brain processes the information received throughout the day, and stores it in the correct place.  A student that is not getting proper sleep will not remember key learning points the next day, therefore making the original Acquisition process useless.

Photo Courtesy of CollegeDegrees360

Photo Courtesy of CollegeDegrees360

So when you’re getting your child ready to go to school or college, take a look at their sleeping situation.  Is their twin sized bed too small for their bigger frames?  Has it developed a dip or sag, therefore not giving the best support?  If they’re on the way to college, check out the dorm mattress, and replace if necessary.

Another great idea is to get your children in a good sleep routine.  Turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed time.  Keep the bed clean, and not full of toys.  Make sure that the temperature of the room is comfortable.  Maintain the same sleep and wake times as much as possible.

We all want our children to get the most out of their education.  In preparing them for the new school year, also prepare their brains to absorb and retain all that learning!

Serta Perfect Sleeper — NSF’s Official Mattress

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NSF SealDid you know that the Serta Perfect Sleeper is the official mattress of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF)?  Did you even know that there was a National Sleep Foundation?  They work to improve sleep and well-being through education and sleep advocacy.  They do extensive research on sleep, sleeping habits, and the effects of sleep on our lives and health.  The NSF is a non-profit foundation, and they have chosen the Perfect Sleeper because they have engineered their mattresses to combat the five common reasons for poor sleep.

How a Serta Perfect Sleeper Combats the 5 Common Sleep and Mattress Issues:

Tossing and Turning

Serta Perfect Sleepers increase their sleeper’s comfort by combining the correct comfort layers in the correct way.  Foams and fibers are used to cushion the sleeper, and allow for more circulation, therefore reducing the amount of tossing and turning on the bed.

Lack of Support

Perfect Sleepers have a continuous coil support system, and are designed to give you excellent support from your head to your feet, all night long.  They are made of tempered steel, to ensure that they support the heaviest parts of you just as completely as the lightest parts of you.  Some models also have zoned coils, for extra support where you need it most.

Too Hot or Too Cold

Serta Perfect Sleepers have breathable, moisture wicking material at the top of the bed, which keeps you cool when you’re hot, and warm when you’re cold, all night long.  Select models include CoolTwist Gel foams, to draw heat away from your body throughout the night.  You’ll never wake up needing more or less blankets on a Perfect Sleeper.

Serta Perfect SlspperPartner Disturbance

The coil system on the Serta Perfect Sleeper is “laced”, or attached, head to toe.  This means that motion runs from the top of the bed to the bottom and vice versa, not across the mattress.  If your partner is getting up or moving during the night, you’ll still stay blissfully asleep.

Mattress Roll Off and Sags

All Perfect Sleepers are tested beyond the industry standard, to provide comfort and support to more than 99{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of the population, regardless of weight, height, or sleeping position.  They have increased edge support, for a bed that feels larger, and is comfortable to sit on.

When you have your Serta Perfect Sleeper delivered, you will receive the “Guide to Sleeping Well”, published by the National Sleep Foundation.  It provides suggestions on how to get your best night’s sleep, as well as how to maximize the rest that you’ll get on your new Perfect Sleeper.

We have all of our Perfect Sleepers on sale right now to celebrate their selection as the official mattress of the NSF, check out our Serta Perfect Sleeper selection today, and eliminate your reasons for not sleeping tonight!

 

 

10 Mattress Care Tips from Serta

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Thank you Serta for providing us with these 10 Mattress Care Tips!  To see the original list, visit Serta’s website.  And please, don’t hold Serta responsible for the somewhat ridiculous explanations and commentary, while they made the list, the comments are my own.

  1. Serta SheepIt’s normal to have an adjustment period when you purchase a new mattress.  This can be anywhere from 1-4 weeks, until your body gets used to the new (and better) support system.  Just give it time, and you’ll most likely love it!
  2. Mattress foams and fibers wear over time, so make sure that you rotate your mattress.  Also along these lines, body impressions (slight depressions in the padding of the mattress) are totally normal, and do not make the bed defective.  This will happen regardless of the price that you pay for the mattress.  Just like your couch may have a rear end shaped depression where you always sit, or your shoes have compressed where your heel is, mattresses are not designed to be perfectly flat and fluffy forever.
  3. Serta recommends purchasing a matching foundation (box spring) or adjustable base when you purchase your mattress.  99{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of the time, I agree with them.  If you just purchased a new foundation, that is the proper support for the mattress, then I don’t see why you’d need to buy a new one.  But don’t tell them I said so.
  4. Make sure that you have a supportive bed frame.  With a center support.  That’s the correct size for your bed.  Buy a good frame, it can be the difference between having a mattress for 5 years or 15 years.
  5. Uh, don’t bend your mattress.  Don’t roll it, don’t fold it, don’t be stupid.  Enough said.
  6. Let it breathe when new.  This one makes sense to me, and I had really never thought about it before.  The materials are new, and have been sealed in the mattress bag plastic for at least a few days, maybe a few months.  Let it air out before putting on your mattress protector and sheets.  Thanks Serta, for reminding me that I really don’t know it all!
  7. Serta SheepProtect your mattress.  Serta recommends vacuuming it once a year, but if you have a dust mite proof mattress pad, you don’t really need to.  Do make sure that your protector is adequate, and that you’re not spilling things on the mattress.
  8. Launch yourself into this century and stop putting a board between your mattress and foundation.  They are unnecessary and can do more harm than good for both your mattress and your back.
  9. Make sure your sheets fit your mattress well.  Don’t smash a pillow top into regular pocket sheets, and don’t put a thinner mattress into a 22″ fitted sheet.  There’s nothing better than a clean, crisp, well fitting sheet.
  10. Don’t tear off the law tag.  If you ever have a warranty issue with the mattress, you MUST have the info on that tag.

Thanks Serta for all the great tips, and for letting me put my two cents in!

If you’re looking for an awesome Serta mattress, remember that iComfort, iSeries, and Perfect Sleeper are all made by them, you’re sure to find your perfect bed.  They “Make The World’s Best Mattress”!

Mattress Toppers – Like Putting Lipstick on a Pig

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Buying a mattress topper to extend the life of your mattress is a common solution for many people who are uncomfortable on their bed.  In some cases, it can be a lifesaver.  In others, it is like gluing your shoe back together – it makes it usable for a while, but things quickly go back to the way that they were before.

Polyurethane Mattress TopperWho Should Buy a Mattress Topper?

Really, only people who have a NEW mattress that they are just not comfortable on should purchase and use a mattress topper.  Their new mattress will still have adequate support, and that support will still benefit the sleeper even through a topper.  If you have a mattress that is less than 5 years old, isn’t sagging, and is just too firm, then by all means, purchase a topper.  DrSnooze.com does carry toppers, though they are not currently available on the site for nationwide shipping.  If you are interested in purchasing one, give us a call at 855-377-6669, and we’d be happy to help you.  We have memory foam and latex toppers only, of high quality.  For more info on buying toppers, skip ahead to the “What to look for in a mattress topper” section…

Who Should NOT Buy a Mattress Topper?

Everyone else.  No, really.  If you have an old mattress, and are trying to make it more comfortable, just buy a new mattress.  The reason why your back hurts is the lack of support.  A topper does not offer any additional support, just comfort and pressure relief.  Your back is still going to feel as sore, even with a new topper.  If it’s a price issue, take a look at some less expensive yet supportive and comfortable mattresses like the Beautysleep Mount Laurel or the Perfect Sleeper Huxley Plush.  Many stores also offer financing, like our Lease Purchase Option from Acima with no credit needed.

I have heard of customers that just get so sick of mattress shopping, and are so confused by all the different beds and stores out there, that they just give up and buy a topper to make their current bed last longer.  People, procrastination isn’t going to help you.  Not only is mattress shopping going to be equally as horrible in a few years, but there was a reason why you went shopping in the first place: your mattress is worn out, and needs to be replaced.  Find a reputable dealer, that employs a salesperson that is both knowledgeable, and that you like.  Then spend an hour with them, and really decide what is best for you.

Mattress TopperWhat to Look For in a Mattress Topper

  • High density foams, such as memory foam, or latex foam will last the longest and offer the most pressure relief.  Good quality American made products, however, may cost as much as a new bed, so be prepared.
  • Stay away from those “egg-crate” polyurethane foams.  While they are in every bed every made, they are usually placed under a few layers of breathable material.  As a topper, they are right up against you, and will trap heat and make your bed into a sauna.  Additionally, they aren’t the most durable, so while cheap and easy to find, plan on replacing it in as little as 2 weeks.
  • Gel foams will keep you cool and comfortable, but are usually a bit firmer than other toppers.  They last a long time, but are pricey.
  • Yes, there are still down toppers.  No, I don’t like them.  They are bird feathers, you know.  They start to smell after a while.  The quills start to poke through the fabric and into your skin.  They cause some people overwhelming allergies.  You have to fluff them up EVERY DAY.  And really, it’s just gross.  Buy synthetic, buy foam, fill your bed with styrofoam peanuts, lay in 2″ of marshmallow fluff, whatever floats your boat, but please, don’t buy a down topper.  Yuck.

A topper can extend the comfort of your mattress for a period of time, but will not affect the support at all.  An old, tired mattress will still make you feel old and tired after sleeping on it, even with a topper.

How to Buy a Mattress

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I’ve written blogs on how to buy a mattress before, and I’m going to do it again.  Choosing a new mattress is not a light decision, you’re going to spend eight hours in it a night (hopefully), for about the next ten years.  That’s 29,200 hours in this mattress.  It’s longer than you spend in any other place, or with any other home furnishing.  It had better be comfortable.

ShowroomThings have changed a lot since you last bought a mattress.  Here are a few changes that you should be aware of before you go out shopping:

  • Surprise…they are one-sided now.  That’s right, no flipping.  No, they didn’t just cut the bottom half off, the support of these new one-sided mattresses is actually better than the old two-sided ones, and they last just as long, if not longer.  Just less effort for you.  Really.
  • Manufacturers are now putting memory foam, latex, and gel into mattresses.  This is GREAT, because they offer more pressure relief, durability, and comfort.  Mattresses with gel can also keep you cooler throughout the night.
  • Prepare yourself, you’re not going to pay the same amount that you paid ten years ago.  If you compare the inflation of gas, you paid $2.01 for a gallon then, and about $3.39 a gallon today.  By this same increase, if you paid $800 for your bed ten years ago, the same quality bed will be $1349.

It’s really easy to get confused with all of the new technology out there, as well as all the different brands and models.  Some tips:

  • Don’t try out all of the beds in the showroom.  That’s why there is a salesperson who is (hopefully) versed in all sorts of useful information about the beds that they carry.  They should be able to skillfully navigate you through the store and eliminate beds in groups depending on your comfort preferences, body type, and medical/pain issues.  If the salesperson isn’t helpful, go to a different store.  You’re going to need help on this one.
  • Make sure that you try out all of the different types of mattresses: memory foam, latex, air, and innerspring.  Just because your neighbor bought a memory foam bed and hated it doesn’t mean that you will too.  Don’t limit yourself.
  • Different brands have different features, some of which may be important to you, some which may not be.  Don’t get hung up on a certain brand or manufacturer.  Remember that every manufacturer makes a great top of the line mattress, and every manufacturer also makes a not so good bargain mattress.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • If you’re trying to compare two different brands, don’t concern yourself about the coil counts.  There are so many different types of coil systems, different thicknesses of wire, and different support profiles that you can’t compare this way.  You CAN compare foam density, edge support, warranty, and height.
  • Feel free to go to more than one store, but don’t expect to price shop that much.  Each store will have a different variety of manufacturers and models, you won’t find much the same from store to store.
  • Don’t put too much stock in customer reviews.  The problem with beds is that everyone’s body is different and need different types of support.  The same way that not everyone fits into or looks good in a size small purple shirt, different bodies need different feels and comfort levels. Most reviews are because someone made the wrong decision with their purchase, not because the mattress is not fit for anyone to sleep on.

The biggest piece of advice that I have?  Don’t overthink your selection, it will make you crazy.  Purchase the mattress that feels the best to you after laying on it for about thirty minutes in your normal sleep position.  Buy the most expensive bed that you can afford, there really is a difference.  Stores will usually negotiate, so try for a great deal.  After you purchase, give your body at least two to three weeks to adjust to the new mattress before you decide if you like it or not.

Remember, the purpose is to go mattress shopping to find the most comfortable bed that you can that will offer you the best support.  Don’t worry about all the bells and whistles, the coil counts, the foam layers, the reviews, or what your mom says.  Get what you feel is the best fit for your body, at the best price possible.

Memory Foam Off-Gassing and Your Health

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As memory foam beds gain in popularity and market share, off-gassing has become a major part of the conversation.  No one wants to cut off their nose to spite their face, and you don’t want to breathe in harmful chemicals to get better support for your back.  I try to pay attention to what I put in and on my body, and can not ignore what’s being said on the internet about my beloved memory foam.  Read on to find out whether you should re-think your memory foam mattress.

What is Memory Foam Off-Gassing?

Memory Foam Off-Gassing

Photo Credit: Brian Fitzgerald

“Off-gassing” is a term for the chemical odor that can sometimes accompany your new memory foam mattress.  Everything naturally gives off a scent, from your neighbor to your apple for lunch, to your new carpet.  The particular scent that most people associate with off-gassing of a memory foam mattress is related to the VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that are sometimes used in the manufacturing process.  Most of these chemicals are rendered inert (inactive) after the product is formulated, but their smell can remain.

Is Off-Gassing Dangerous?

To be perfectly honest, most of the dangerous chemicals that were used have been phased out in the US and the UK.  These are PBDEs, which include formaldehyde and CFCs.  Reactions to these and other chemicals found in memory foam mattresses can include headache, eye and nose irritation, nausea, or respiratory problems.  These symptoms always abate as the scent from the mattress dissipates.  According to the EPA, finished foams used in bedding do not present a health hazard.

How to Avoid Off-Gassing

There are a few ways to avoid the memory foam off-gassing issue entirely:

  1. Purchase a latex mattress instead of a memory foam mattress.  You’ll get similar support, the same durability, great pressure relief, and if you buy natural latex, no off-gassing.
  2. Ask the store to air out the mattress before it is delivered, or air it out yourself once it arrives.  Unwrap the mattress and place it in a closed room with windows open.  Within seventy-two hours, the smell should be gone.
  3. Buy a mattress that carries the CertiPUR-US seal.  CertiPUR-US tests all the materials in the mattress for VOCs, PBDEs, carcinogens, CFCs, formaldehyde, and other toxic materials.  Good options are Simmons CURV, and Comforpedic by Beautyrest.

My Opinion on Memory Foam Off-Gassing

Since I can’t make it all the way through a post without throwing my two cents in, here it goes: I am not worried about the off-gassing from my memory foam mattress.  Sure, I am concerned about chemicals in my everyday life, but I feel like my memory foam bed is really far down on my list.  We use lotions and soaps every day with a bunch of ingredients that we can’t even pronounce.  We eat foods that have a bunch of chemical flavorings.  I breathe in exhaust from cars, second-hand cigarette smoke, and ahem, methane from my husband.  Even with how sensitive my skin and allergies are, I have never had a reaction to my memory foam bed.  I put a mattress protector on it, and ta-da, no smell.

Source Credit: orangefan_2011 (flickr)

Source Credit: orangefan_2011 (flickr)

In all honesty, I think that memory foam off-gassing is a trumped up issue.  It’s the SAME smell as “new car scent”, which we are always trying to replicate with air fresheners.  That new couch that you bought will have the same smell also.  And don’t even get me started on the yucky chemicals that are in your carpet that no one even thinks about.

The end result is that the government believes that memory foam beds are not toxic.  Many companies, such as Comforpedic, have made huge efforts to make their mattresses healthy and scent-free.  Air it out and put an Encase Mattress Protector on it, and rest your body on a conforming, pressure relieving, comfortable memory foam mattress.

Your RV Mattress CAN Be Comfortable!

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For those of you who like to travel and have an RV, this one is for you.  Whether you’re living in your RV for half the year, or you’re just taking two week mini vacations a couple of times a year, chances are that you’re unhappy with your current RV mattress.

Why?

Because, even though you probably paid big bucks for your ride, the mattress that came with it is on par with the one that you slept on in summer camp when you were ten.  Basically, there’s not enough coils, padding, support, or comfort to keep your body pain free.

RV Mattress

Source: SteelMaster Buildings

How do you replace your RV mattress?

Herein lies the issue: where do you get the next RV mattress?  Sure, you could go back to the RV dealership, and pay a bunch for another marginal mattress.  You could also go buy a topper for the one that you have, trim it to fit, and sleep more comfortably for a month or two.  Unfortunately, as I’ve said before, toppers do a great job of changing the feel of the mattress, as well as increasing the pressure relief of the bed, but they don’t change the support.  This means that your hip and shoulder might feel ok, but your back is still going to be sore.

You could go to a mattress store, but RV mattresses have different dimensions than traditional mattresses, and they can be hard to find.  Most RVs use a “short queen” size, which is 60″ wide by 75″ long.

Don’t be discouraged, there is a light at the end of this blog’s tunnel…

You CAN buy a good quality RV mattress!

King Koil RV Mattress

Imagine this as your RV mattress!

All of our King Koil mattresses can be made into a short queen.  Want even better news?  The price for the short queen is the SAME price as the regular queen!  Just make sure that you account for any height restrictions that you may have (cupboards, ridges, etc.)  More of a do-it-yourselfer?  You can always purchase a memory foam mattress, and modify it to fit into your space.  Keep in mind that you will be voiding your warranty, but you can basically custom fit the mattress into your RV.  I don’t necessarily recommend going this route, but I’ve heard that an electric carver (like you use on Thanksgiving) does a decent job of cutting foam without a lot of effort.

Just remember that your body needs adequate support ALL THE TIME, not just when you’re at home and in your own bed.  In fact, with all that driving, sight-seeing, and grandkid kissing, you may need more support and rest than you do at home.  Check out our selection of short queen RV mattresses by King Koil, and think about upgrading your home on the road!

Discount Mattress — End of the Year Sales

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Discount MattressOk, I know that I’ve been MIA for a few months…having a baby during the holidays will do that to you.  But anyhow, I’m back, and ready to go.  My first order of business?  To let you know how to save money and sleep better.

Mattresses are expensive.  Worth it, but expensive.  Here are a few deals at Dr Snooze right now, if you’re in the market for feeling better when you wake up, and being more comfortable when you lay down:

  1. It’s the end of the year, which means that new models are coming out soon.  This is GREAT for you, because retailers will be winding down their inventory, getting rid of items that are taking up valuable space, and will be selling off floor samples of old models.  You can get AWESOME deals on brand new products with warranties, and you can also get SPECTACULAR deals on floor models.  While these are sold without warranties, they are often 60-70{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} off.  Obviously, floor models need to be purchased at the store, while clearance items are available both in-store and online.
  2. For Cadence Bank customers, Dr Snooze is part of the BuzzPoints program.  We are offering 3x points, as well as 20{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} off now through December 31, 2013.  This deal is valid in store and online, as long as you use your Cadence Bank Checkcard.  3x points is huge, considering that most mattress purchases are around $500-$800, which translates into 1500-2400 points.  Think of what you can get with those…
  3. 0{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} No Credit Check Financing is always available at Dr Snooze, but now is the best time to use it.  Why?  Because you can pay it off when you get your tax refund back!  If you file your taxes at the end of January, you’ll have your refund by mid-February, and your 0{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} financing period won’t be over until mid March!  Sleep well now, pay discount mattresswith your refund later!
  4. As always, we have the best prices online for Beautyrest, BeautySleep, and Comforpedic beds.  Guaranteed.  Just add the product to your cart to check out the final savings price.  It can’t be beat, believe me.

Make it your New Year’s Resolution to sleep better, and feel better.  Save some money and treat yourself to a great new discount mattress from Dr Snooze!

What is Sleep Apnea?

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Check out this great info on sleep apnea – it’s a dangerous condition that you might not even know you have!  If you do, there are some things that can help you, like a CPAP machine, or an adjustable bed!

To put it in the simplest terms, sleep apnea is a condition wherein the sufferer experiences instances of shallow breathing, pauses in breathing, or even infrequent breathing during their sleep. Every pause is referred to as an “apnea,” and they can last around ten seconds in length or even a few minutes before the individual starts to breathe again. Studies see apneas occurring as frequently as five to thirty times in a single hour.

There are three different types of sleep apnea: central, obstructive, and complex. Central sleep apnea refers to a lack of respiratory effort, and accounts for less than one percent of all sleep apnea sufferers. Obstructive refers to physical blockage, often resulting in snoring, and accounts for around 84{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of all sleep apnea. Complex is a mix of the two, accounting for around 15{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of all sleep apnea.

Because others typically observe sleep apnea during the sufferer’s sleep, many who live with sleep apnea may go years, decades, or lifetime without even knowing that they suffer from the condition.

To someone who isn’t familiar with the condition, it might not sound like much of a problem at all, but the effects of the condition can be quite serious. Frequently, poor breathing during sleep can result in restless nights and general lethargy during the day. Slightly less common, but not entirely atypical, sleep apnea sufferers may wake up in sleep paralysis, the paralysis that your body undergoes during deep sleep in order to keep you from harming yourself during the night. Those who have regular experiences of waking up during sleep paralysis may even grow to fear sleep and develop insomnia.

Long-term effects of sleep apnea can include memory loss and poor focus. In other words, sleep apnea is taxing on the brain.

Treatment can include medication, devices to assist in breathing such as CPAP masks, and even surgery for extreme cases.

Many who suffer mild sleep apnea may choose simply to live with it, but getting proper treatment can be an effortless, painless process. That said, the condition affects different people to different degrees, and the treatment that is right for one may not be for another.

 

About CPAP2Me:

CPAP2Me.com is a dedicated website where individuals can go to purchase CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other sleep apnea supplies at guaranteed low prices. CPAP2Me is committed to providing you with quality service without compromising affordability. Our staff is made up of respiratory therapists and industry experts with nearly 40 years of collective experience who are available to help you in any way possible.