Tag Archives: beautysleep

Gel Mattresses – Info You Need

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Every few of years, a new innovation hits the mattress market.  About ten years ago, memory foam was the new “it” thing.  Then came beds that felt different on each side.  Now, gel mattresses are popular.  But what is gel, and what does it do?

gel mattresses

A new pillow with gel layered over memory foam. Coming soon!

A simple online search brings up a lot of retailer websites with gel, as well as a lot of manufacturer websites with gel.  What’s missing is real information about what benefits there are to gel, without the tint of a sales pitch.

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s why I’m here.  After finding little to no research about gel out there, I have searched my own brain to explain these gel beds to you.

  • First, there are two types of gel mattresses.  The first has the gel layered on top of the foam in the mattress.  I have found that this type of mattress is cooler, usually firmer, but always more expensive. The other type is made of gel infused memory foam, with little globules of gel suspended throughout the foam.  I have found that this type is usually less expensive, definitely cooler, and feels more like a regular memory foam mattress (it doesn’t change the feel of the bed).
  • Just so everyone is clear, this gel is not the consistency of gel toothpaste, it’s much firmer.  However, it is softer than the gel that is used in shoe insoles.  The gel that is used in beds is like very firm Jell-O, but it’s also a bit elastic, so it doesn’t break apart easily.  For the gel that is layered by itself in a mattress, it can be sticky if the membrane surrounding it is broken, but it will still maintain it’s shape.
  • All gel is man-made, but it is non-toxic.  There is no smell, no residue.
  • The main reason why gel is advantageous is the temperature factor.  Gel absorbs excess body heat and keeps it away from the body.  It always feels cool to the touch, and can help with warm sleepers, women in menopause, or anyone who likes a cooler sleep.
  • Gel is also very durable, and keeps its form even after prolonged compression.  This feature makes gel mattresses a no-brainer.
gel mattresses

AirCool Memory Foam with TruTemp Gel

Is gel a fad, or is it here to stay?  The number one complaint about memory foam is that it sleeps warm, and gel fixes that without drastically changing the feel, and with virtually no change to the support.  The three factors turn a great night’s sleep into a horrible one are sound, light, and temperature.  Gel could help many more people get a great night’s sleep.

If you would like to see some of our products that have gel in them, check out:

  1. All Comforpedic products have AirCool Memory Foam with TruTemp gel.  This is the type of gel mattress that has the gel suspended in the memory foam.  Lab studies have shown that these mattresses dissipate heat 2.8x faster than the competition.
  2. All Beautyrest Recharge and BeautySleep beds have GelTouch foam in them, which is a gel and polyurethane foam blend.
  3. All Beautyrest Recharge World Class beds have 1/2″ of actual TruTemp gel in the upholstery (not blended with memory foam, this is straight gel).
  4. In addition, the Dartmouth Drive and Trident Collections by Beautyrest Recharge World Class have AirCool Memory Foam with Micro GelTouch layers (this is a blended product).
  5. All iMattress models have iFusion Gel Memory Foam (this is a gel and memory foam blend).  iMattress states that their proprietary blend makes the mattress easier to move around on, as well as cool to the touch.

As we add more gel products, we will keep you updated.  Try out one of our gel mattresses today, and experience some cooler, more comfortable sleep!

What’s the Science Behind BeautySleep?

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1_1Science Behind BeautySleep. Simmons is known for their groundbreaking innovations, for being an industry leader in technology.  Just this year, the Beautyrest brand and the Comforpedic brand both got makeovers, with new features, benefits, and a great story.  But the brand that usually gets left out is BeautySleep, the less expensive cousin to the Beautyrest.

While in the past, BeautySleep was more of a traditional mattress, with an inner-locking spring system, border wire edge support, and so-so padding layers, this year is different.  BeautySleep may not be lighting the city on fire with new technology, but they have a new look and a new philosophy.  They have received the best hand-me-downs from Beautyrest, and they are making it work for them.

  • 700 Series Coil Technology – This is the new BeautySleep coil system.  Now, most of the line-up has individually wrapped coils, long the standard for Beautyrest.  Why is this good science?  Because pocketed coils offer superior back support, conform to curves better to offer better pressure relief, and provide individual support for each person sleeping on them.  They also localize motion, to keep partners sleeping undisturbed.  This is the first year that BeautySleep has received this huge upgrade, and it just adds more value to their line-up.
  • Foam Encased Edge Support System – Years ago, foam encased edge support was only for top of the line beds, and you paid for it dearly.  Now, every single bed in the BeautySleep line-up has this type of edge support.  Mattresses that are foam encased feel larger than others with more traditional edge support systems, because there is more usable space in the mattress.  The sleeper can lie right on the edge of the bed without being tipped off.  Also, this type of edge support makes sitting on the bed both comfortable, and less likely to dip the side of the bed.  Finally, foam encased beds have a more expensive look; they are less likely to be misshapen due to coils popping through the side wall.  Again, an expensive bed feature, in a value line-up.

  • Gel Touch Foam – The new material in the bedding industry is gel, and while with most brands it is exclusive to their top of the line beds, BeautySleep has put it in a few of their models.  What is the science behind this feature?  GelTouch foam is soft and conforming, and reduces pressure points.  It is also a cooling fiber, and it provides more air circulation for a more comfortable sleep.
  • Stretch Knit Fabric – Select models of BeautySleep mattresses have a knit fabric cover.  This is great for two reasons: (1) since this cover stretches, it further localizes motion and conforms to the body well, and (2) it is a natural material, and promotes airflow and comfortable sleeping temperature.  Like with the other features, in the past, stretch knit fabrics were reserved for more expensive mattresses, but BeautySleep puts this cover on beds starting at $499.

The Simmons BeautySleep mattresses have benefited from research and innovation performed by Beautyrest.  They have upgraded features such as individually pocketed coils, foam encased edge support, Gel Touch foam, and stretch knit fabrics to put them head and shoulders above the closest competition in their price range.

Ready for a New Kids Mattress?

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Parenting is hard, and really expensive.  Making your kids comfortable doesn’t have to be.  I don’t know about you, but I grew up sleeping on some terrible cheapo mattress that was not comfortable, and did not make me feel good in the morning.  Did you know that growing children actually need a more supportive mattress than adults do?  Their bones are growing, adjusting, and need proper support.  However, that doesn’t mean that you need to take out a second mortgage to buy your child a good, supportive bed.

For toddlers transitioning from a crib mattress, moving to a medium feel will be easier, since it will feel similar to what they are used to.  However, since most kids of this age are only about thirty pounds, realize that they will be sleeping more on top of the mattress than in it.  A good option for your kids mattress is the Mount Laurel Euro by BeautySleep, or the King Koil Hathaway Pillow Top.  Both of these mattresses have great support, and a medium feel that will grow with your child.  Another great option is memory foam.  Foam beds will support, cushion, and possibly last until they graduate high school!  Check out the Serenity by Spirit Sleep, it’s a great mattress at a great sale price.

For older kids, around seven to twelve, they will probably want something softer.  Keeping support while indulging in comfort can be difficult, but is attainable.  The BeautySleep Fancy is a great bed, and has a very soft feel with great support.  On a side note, keep in mind that this is the bed that they will either take with them, or that will morph into your guest room bed.  The Aikenton Plush Euro Top by Beautyrest is a great option, and is durable and comfortable for one person, or two.

Remember to plan for your child’s needs in the future.  Maybe a full size would serve their purpose longer than just a twin.  Also, make sure that you protect the mattress with a protector, one that’s waterproof and washable.  Once that bed-wetting stage is over, there will still be food and drink on the bed (whether you know it or not), as well as sweat, and probably some tears.

In conclusion, purchasing a quality bed for your child can save you money in the long run, and get them set up for proper alignment, development, and growth.