Category Archives: Sleeping Positions

The Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans who loves nothing better than sinking into your mattress and falling asleep on your back, then you need a mattress that’s designed for back sleepers. Today, you can choose from adjustable beds, combination beds, gel memory foam beds, pillow top beds and more — but how will you know which kind is right for you?

Back Sleeping PositionIf you’re a back sleeper, you need a mattress that supports your lower back. If you wake up with pain or stiffness, it may be because your current mattress either pushes against your spine or allows your hips to sink too far. Medium-firm is the perfect mattress type for back sleepers, and there are several options to choose from.

Combination Mattresses

Have you ever tried mattress shopping with your partner, only to discover that you can’t agree on a new bed? That may be because you have different sleep styles. Side sleepers, for example, need a softer mattress that provides adequate support for the knees and hips so the back doesn’t sink too low. Stomach sleepers prefer extra-firm mattresses that don’t let the hips sink. With a combination bed such as the iSeries, you can each get the mattress you need without resorting to separate beds.

You can choose a combination mattress constructed with one side that’s medium-firm, and one side that’s soft or extra firm. You do need to select which side to sleep on before you order your mattress, because the mattresses are no-flip. Some beds have sleep numbers that let you increase or decrease the firmness on each side. You can also choose an adjustable mattress, which provides customized support as well as help for common sleep disturbances such as snoring and apnea.

Combination mattresses are typically more expensive than traditional mattresses. Nevertheless, when you and your partner can agree, you might find the added expense is well worth the effort.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are the most popular mattress choice in America. They are available in flat and pillow top styles as well as every size. Simmons, Serta and Sealy are three of the biggest manufacturers and they all make innerspring mattresses. You can find innerspring mattresses in all price ranges and made to varying degrees of quality. Search for a mattress that provides adequate support and durability while also reducing motion during movement.

Foam Mattresses

A foam mattress is another excellent option. Foam mattresses support all sleep styles, which makes them a great choice if you start on your back, roll to your side or wind up on your stomach. Foam mattresses are also a great choice if you share your bed with a partner who doesn’t have the same sleep style as you — but you don’t want to invest in a combination mattress. Choose a gel foam memory mattress with cooling technology, such as the Serta iComfort, to reduce the heating that occurs with foam mattresses in the middle of the night.

No matter what you choose, make sure you test your mattress before you buy. If you’re shopping online, choose a merchant that lets you exchange your mattress, so you’re not stuck with a bed you don’t like.

A Battle for the Ages: Tempurpedic or Comforpedic for your Memory Foam Mattress?

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It wasn’t that long ago that there were really only two options when choosing a Memory Foam mattress- Tempurpedic or the “other guy”.  For a full decade, Tempurpedic dominated the mattress scene much like Tiger Woods on the golf course.  No other company was able to create a feel and story that was compelling enough to turn the heads of consumers and sales professionals alike.

But recently, Simmons Beautyrest has re-launched the Comforpedic collection, and many consumers have started to take notice.

So how do these products compare? Which one is right for you?

affil_bbbBetter Business Bureau

Both Tempurpedic and Simmons Comforpedic are rated an A+ on the BBB web site.  This means that they are members of the BBB and are usually excellent at handling complaints until both parties are satisfied.  It DOES NOT mean that they never get complaints.

ODOR

images (2)Almost all products that use foam as a component will ship with some degree of odor or off gassing.  Most products manufactured in the US are required to meet a bevy of laws regarding chemicals and their use, and since Tempurpedic and Comforpedic are made in the US of US made components, both are relatively safe for use.  One consumer site called sleeplikethedead.com rates Comforpedic significantly better with odor than Tempurpedic, based on consumer complaints, with Comforpedic receiving a C + rating and Tempurpedic receiving a D +.  Also, Comforpedic is rated as a Certipur-US® Certified manufacturer, meaning it uses only materials that are independently verified as safe for your body and the environment.

Ratings

best_mattress_reviewsTempurpedic advertises that over 90{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of Tempurpedic users are satisfied with their purchase, which seems impressive.  But on sleeplikethedead.com, the rating is closer to 81{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} satisfaction.  At 81{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a}, Tempurpedic is still one of the highest rated brands. Comforpedic, however, is rated at an 84{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} approval and is the 2nd highest rated brand.  The biggest drawback for both products seems to be price point and weight.  Tempurpedic’s new Simplicity™ line starts their collection below $1500 for a queen mattress, but does not include any real memory foam and only has a 10 yr warranty.  Comforpedic’s collection starts around the same price point, but uses a full 1.5” sheet of memory foam and has a 25 yr limited warranty, making Comforpedic a better value proposition.

Related Links worth Looking at!

Comforpedic vs. Tempurpedic: The Memory Foam Showdown

Comforpedic Reviews

More Reviews on Tempurpedic Memory Foam

Comforpedic Memory Foam Mattress Demonstration – Watch this Video

Sleep Facts – Moms sleeps almost 20{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} LESS than Dads!

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As we age, we need less and less sleep to be able to function normally.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns need the most, up to eighteen hours per day.  Infants from three to eleven months need about fourteen to fifteen hours, toddlers need twelve to fourteen.  Skip ahead to children up to age ten, and they still need ten to eleven hours.  Teens need at least eight, up to nine, and adults need between seven and nine hours.

For kids and teens, they need this larger quantity of sleep for a few reasons: first they are growing.  Children do the most growing at night, while they are asleep.  It’s also the time when muscles repair themselves, and cells regenerate.  Secondly, the mind processes all the learning that was done during the day at night.  Not getting enough sleep can affect short term memory, which in turn can affect test scores and school performance.  Those late night cramming sessions may not be as beneficial as we all thought that they were!  Thirdly, have you been around a kid that hasn’t gotten enough sleep?  Protect your own sanity, and make sure that your kids are getting the sleep that they need.

Not getting enough sleep

Now, adults.  Those of us who don’t sleep enough have a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, heart problems, and depression.  There is an increased risk of getting into an accident, both in the car and at work, and a decreased ability to pay attention and remember things.

We live in a society that seems to reward lack of sleep.  In my home, it seems like no one ever sleeps well, and we are always trying to one-up each other about who slept less.  It seems to me that you are looked down upon if you sleep too much (which may only be eight hours), and you’re considered to be lazy and less productive.

It may be that there is too much stimulation, too many things to do and check up on.  Most of us are working more than 40 hours per week, sometimes from home.  We need to catch up with our kids, our housework, our email, Facebook, and twitter.  I know that in my home, I often don’t get a moment to myself until my kids are in bed and asleep, and this can sometimes be as late as 10pm.  Although I’m tired, I still want to respond to an email, enjoy the peace and quiet, or watch a movie with my husband.  I feel like I’ve earned that relaxation time, and am willing to forgo sleep to be able to wind down.  Check out this infographic, it’s the story of my life:

Moms sleeps almost 20{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} LESS than Dad’s

This blog is great at telling you what you should be getting, but is all this information going to change your sleeping habits in the real world?  Probably not.  So, instead of telling you what your body needs, I’m going to tell you how to make the most of what you’re already getting:

  • Buy a new bed if you need to, one that supports you well and relieves pressure.  Pick one that dampens motion disturbance, and is a large enough size (like a king for two people).  My blanket recommendation, regardless of how you sleep and what size and age you are is the Renewed Energy by Comforpedic.  I know, I’m predictable.
  • For that “me” time at the end of the night, turn off the TV, the laptop, and the cell phone.  Pick up a book, or take a bath.  These activities can help you fall asleep easier and faster, rather than keep you awake.
  • Try to change your kid’s sleep timers.  If they have trouble getting up in the morning (or sleeping until noon on the weekends), put them to bed earlier at night.  This can be hard with teens, but have them keep a sleep journal, detailing (honestly) how much they slept, how easy it was to get up, and how they felt during the day.  If your toddler gets cranky in the afternoon, re-introduce the nap, or move up bed time.
  • Stay away from sugary snacks in the evening, even that bowl of ice cream.  For both kids and adults, it can keep you awake longer than you want to be.

Don’t be afraid to ask your partner to help you get a better night’s sleep, chances are that they’re sleep deprived too.  It’s for your health, your longevity, and your attitude.

Amazing Facts on Sleep :

40 FACTS ABOUT SLEEP YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW…

25 Crazy Facts About Sleep

Healthiest Sleeping Positions – Whats yours?

10 Interesting Craziest Facts about Sleep – Take a look

Sleep: You Just Might Be Doing It Wrong

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Sleeping positionsIf you’ve been reading my blogs, you’ll notice that I recommend softer beds for side sleepers, medium beds for back sleepers, and medium firm beds for stomach sleepers.  I say this because most of the time, these average firmness levels help keep the sleeper’s spine in alignment.  But sometimes, folks, it’s not the bed.  It’s possible that you’re just sleeping wrong (position-wise).  Check out this info graphic about sleeping positions.  If you have arthritis, did you know that sleeping in the fetal position can be making it worse?  Or that acid reflux is increased in stomach sleepers?  If you’re concerned about wrinkles, try your best to sleep on your back, as all other positions will increase the pull on your skin.

According to the graphic, everyone should be sleeping on their back.  It reduces wrinkles and acid reflux, and can help prevent back and neck pain.  And, if snoring isn’t a problem, then this might be the just right position for you.  If it’s not comfortable, try putting a pillow under your knees, to elevate your legs slightly, this will ease the pressure on your lower back.  For a mattress, try the Bernardsville Plush Pillow Top by Beautyrest Recharge.  It’s that just right combination of firm support, and soft padding that’s not overwhelming.

Most of us sleep on our sides, because it just tends to be the most comfortable.  While the graphic says that it’s not so great for wrinkle free skin and perky breasts, that’s why they created plastic surgery, right?  Side sleepers don’t snore, and usually have less acid reflux.  And true, it is the requisite sleeping position for expectant mothers (how else are they supposed to sleep without smashing up their insides, and still being able to breathe?!?).  To open up your hips, place a poufy pillow between your knees to make your spinal position better.  Try the Comforpedic Balanced Days, which is really pressure relieving since most of your weight will be on your hip and shoulder, and will offer great support.

Does anyone over the age of five still sleep in the fetal position?  By pulling your legs up towards your chest, you are pushing your hip further into the mattress, which creates pressure points.  Your back is curved, which ends up being painful, and believe me, no pregnant lady is sleeping with her knees smashed up against her belly.  If this is the ONLY way that you can sleep, try putting a pillow between your knees to help with the hip problem, or find a bed that’s more comfortable for different positions, like the Comforpedic Renewed Energy.  I’d bet that you’d be able to train your body to sleep a different way on a more supportive and comfortable bed.

sleeping positions

Finally, stomach sleepers.  I never really understood them.  I once tried to sleep on my stomach, and couldn’t do it.  My neck and back hurt, I didn’t know where to put my arms, and I was being suffocated by the pillow.  It’s my personal opinion that these people sleep this way because they are resting on a bed that is too firm, and is creating pressure when they sleep on their sides, and isn’t adequately supporting their lumbar region when they are on their back.  If the bed isn’t providing cushioning, you might as well use your own natural softness, right?  The problem is that it’s a vicious cycle – stomach sleepers need to sleep on something firm, which means that the chances of them changing their sleep position are slim, because it’s just not going to be as comfortable as sleeping on their stomach.  If you sleep on your stomach and don’t have neck and back pain, then you belong in the circus.  However, if you’re a die-hard tummy fan, then get a Recharge Dennet Luxury Firm.  It’s firm enough to keep you breathing, but not too firm that it would be uncomfortable if you decided to make a position change for the better.  To ease your lumbar pain that you’re surely having, you can try to put a pillow under your hips, to relieve some of the pressure on your lumbar.

As for me, I sleep mostly on my side, sometimes on my back.  My husband sleeps on his back, until I shove him onto his side to stem the snoring.  Any way that you go, make sure that you choose a new mattress that will fit the way that you sleep.  And if you go into a store to shop, make sure that you try out that test bed in the way that you actually sleep.  Just a tip.

Important Articles on Sleeping Positions worth reading:

Slide show: Sleeping positions that reduce back pain

Suffering from Low Back Pain? This article might help you

Your Sleeping Position  – Get Clue on what kind of person you are!

Low Back Pain ? Wondering if Sleeping on Floor helps? Have a READ!

A Video Demonstration – Best Sleeping Positions to reduce Stress.