Memory Foam Mattresses

Ever since the dawn of human kind, there have been those who looked to the stars. Looking in wonder and awe Inspired by curiosity, dreamers would build and invent new and better ways to sleep. Like the visionaries of NASAs space program that developed the first memory foam mattress. The point was to help the boldest of stargazers, to reach the heavens with a restful night's sleep.

NASA called upon all the inventors and innovators they could in the early 70s, and many things never before dreamed of, became reality. What would help these courageous souls overcome the frontiers of space and boldly go where know one had ever gone before? Imagination And from their imaginations came memory foam mattresses. For a long time it was thought that mattresses made from memory foam could do the trick But that was not the calling of this exquisite invention, but rather the realm of commercially bought and sold mattresses to consumers here on earth!

Not only have they revolutionized the earthlings way of sleeping, but they themselves have generated a whole new dimension of creativity. Things like, size, weight, density, design and dynamics are but a few of the qualities found in a memory foam mattress, but how have they been used? Memory foam was not used in the NASA program, true, but a lot of things werent, that just means that it found its way into more important fields.

Take the field of medicine, for example. In Sweden, a genius came up with this wonderful idea to use the memory foam mattress for patients with back pain problems. The idea was that since memory foam mattresses conform themselves to the sleepers body, without creating pressure point resistance, then they would work wonders on people with similarly related problems, such as pressure sores.

Over time, different kinds of memory foam were created and innovators launched at the opportunity to defend a new and revolutionary way of getting a truly good nights sleep. Memory foam mattresses were divided between technologies and then re-mantled among the various different mattress sciences Memory foam works best when layered over a hard surface at approximately 2 3 weighing around 4lbs.

But why the name, memory foam? The mattress does not have a memory per-say, but rather cells that deform when under load. Different from a spring back kind of mattress where all points of the mattress are always trying to find there way back to point zero resistance, memory foam actually deforms each cell, by smashing it and evacuating the air, dislodging it into other cells. This makes the foam more difficult to reach point zero again since the process of deforming literally creates a vacuum.

In this way, the bed will remain in the position the load has determined every time the slumbering individual has just awoken from a dream, moves position and goes back into the dream world. It really helps the sleeper get a more comfortable nights sleep and it induces more powerful dreams, since memory foam actually creates the support necessary for the determined load, without favoring any specific pressure point.

As its like a big sponge, the air forced out and throughout the surrounding cells, is forced back in when the load is removed, but over a slower period of time so that, once again no pressure point is favored over any other.

Thomas Jay Wacker is the General Manager and V.P. of http://www.simplepedic.comWacker has over 20 years experience in the home furnishing industry and leads the Wacker Management Team in Denver Colorado.

The Importance of Bunk Bed Mattresses

Bunk bed mattresses are perhaps the most important kind of mattresses. This is because safety risks exist when wrong-sized bunk bed mattresses are purchased. As such it is critical to know precisely the size of the mattress you are seeking.

After determining the size of the mattress you need, the two factors to consider are firmness and construction. Firmness refers to the comfort of the mattress and making sure that it is consistent across all areas. Construction refers to how the mattress is manufactured. A more expensive bunk bed mattress will often have thicker padding, higher coil counts, better wire gauge and/or a mattress pad.

Interestingly, while coil count is typically directly correlated with the cost of a mattress, it has only a small impact on durability. When a mattress sags, rather, it is caused by the padding. As a result, when comparing two bunk bed mattresses, you should look for the one with thicker, better quality padding.

Unfortunately, the bedding industry is marketing-crazed in that retailers often bombard customers with irrelevant and inaccurate information in hopes of selling the highest priced items. Be sure to avoid any hype and seek a durable, thickly padded mattress. Shopping online, and comparing prices across websites, also helps to avoid the marketing hype.

Bunk Beds Info provides information on the types of bunk beds that are available, and how and where to buy a bunk bed. Bunk Beds Info is the sister site of Murphy Beds Web.

History of Mattresses

History has shown, time and time again that the way we choose to sleep, will, affect our quality of life. We do not sleep on mattresses by mere coincidence, but rather because of a basic human need to sleep well. Thousands of years ago, in the Neolithic period, people had beds made of stone, but still slept on animal skin. Mattresses appeared around 5,000 years ago, but luxury mattresses began to appear as early as the decline of the Roman Empire. Velvet and silks were heavily used in the Renaissance, as well as lattice worked rope beds. Iron cast beds appeared in the early 19th century, springs only being introduced after the year 1865. Modern mattresses with inner spring workings were first commercialized before WW II. In the late 60s memory oam was discovered, and by the 80s cotton, foam and inner spring mattresses were all readily available around the world.

12,000 years ago before mattresses, people slept in caves, on the ground, on stone beds covered with animal skins while dreaming of touching the stars. In Scotland, primitive stone beds can be found in the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, with its advanced stone astronomical calendar. The development of the first cotton mattresses in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Babylonia, around 3,000 BC, brought with it a turning point in mattress evolution until the end of Antiquity around the year 529 AD, with the plunge into the Dark Ages.

In the eastern civilizations of China and Japan, the futon continued to evolve, as well as the tatami, but western culture seemed to be more interested in dry weeds, hay, wool, feathers and reads until the beginning of the age of rebirth around 1432 AD, with the death of Joan of Arc. Her sacrifice in La Place Rouge in the city of Rouen, not only echoed through the royal courts of France, but carried with it the cry for an age of reason throughout the entire known world. The Renaissance revived the passion for comfort and the value of a good nights sleep.

The passion for dreaming and enlightenment that fueled the Renaissance, survived all the way up to the 19th century with such works of art as the hand carved beds in the fantasy castle Neueschwanstein in Bavaria. But insect and mite free mattresses as we know them today began to appear as early as the late 1700s with the first cast iron beds, with cotton mattresses. The need for hygiene and comfort led to the invention of springs. NASA brought about the invention of memory foam mattresses, which have shown time and time again to be far more efficient than the conventional spring-cotton design inherited from the Industrial Revolution.

In a quickly globalizing world, much can be learned by getting a good nights rest. In the dawn of civilization, humankind first learned to value their sleep and look to the stars. During the Middle Ages, western civilization slowly began the rebirth of its dreams, until 1969 when the first man landed on the moon, and they became reality. Now, in a rational world, made of glass and plastic towers, the race for comfort and a good nights sleep, depends on the mattress we use to face, this basic human need.


Thomas Jay Wacker is the General Manager and V.P. of http://www.simplepedic.comWacker has over 20 years experience in the home furnishing industry and leads the Wacker Management Team in Denver Colorado.


7 things to consider when buying a BBQKeith KingstonBBQ as we all know is an abbreviated form of barbecue or barbeque. The BBQ has assumed so much importance today that you could call it the crown. You could ideally locate the BBQ near the main cooking area to derive maximum utility. Here are 7 things which you could consider before purchasing an ideal BBQ.

1. Size and the cooking surface: The size of the BBQ is determined by the amount of burners: two; three; four or six. If the BBQ is on the larger side, then you have greater area and flexibility in cooking surface. Also as far as the cooking surface is concerned, go for premium cast iron surface. They are coated with anti-rust ceramic material, which gives a hygienic impression.


2. Should I go for a built in BBQ or the portable one? Well, the portable BBQ looks good for picnics, as they are light weight and easy to handle without much of a hassle. But a built in or a heavy BBQ machine would look good if you are going to sell barbeque dishes or host BBQ parties.


3. Baking Dishes, Hot plates or Grills: Normally the baking dish is used for cooking marinated foods like fish. The hot plate could be put to the best use if you are making eggs and mushrooms. The grill which is a popular BBQ choice is used for kebabs, steaks and other 'meaty' dishes. You could cook BBQ grill dishes directly on the BBQ flame tamer or BBQ rock, and enjoy the aroma of a distinct barbeque odor. The juices actually drip onto the rock and then blaze up giving your food a special barbeque flavor. BBQ grilled food is low in fat content and is recommended to people who want to eat healthy without forsaking the taste.


4. Rock or flame tamer: As I mentioned in the previous point, you could use the BBQ grill directly on the BBQ rock or the flame tamer. The BBQ rock is generally the ceramic kind of rock. The flame tamer is made of metal or cast iron. Either of them, the rock as well as the flame tamer is good enough for a fantastic BBQ experience. The choice is totally yours.


5. Natural gas or Bottled gas: Natural gas should be preferred because not only is it inexpensive, but also it is an inexhaustible source of gas supply. Natural gas BBQ are sold only by specialist retailers. The bottled gas, on the other hand, is simple to use, but you will have to refill frequently. If you want to go for the bottled gas, you opt for the big cylinder which weighs 9 kg, because it is cost effective and also you do not have to refill it for quite some time. The 4.5 kg sized bottled gas cylinder is also available.


Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who is an authority on a wide variety of subjects. Find out more about his reviews on BBQ's at http://www.1st-4-barbeques.com

Memory Foam Mattresses Under Oath...The Truth and Nothing But The Truth

? Charles C Harmon Co. http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org

Are you thinking about buying a memory foam mattress?

Are you confused about all the hype and confusing claims made by the different advertisements for memory foam?

I've set out to clear the air, remove the "smoke and mirrors", and put into one article all the true information you'll need to make a selection that will thrill you, give you years of value and make poor sleep a thing of the past.

The term "memory foam" or "visco-elastic memory foam" was coined in the early days of NASA's space program. That's why it's also known as NASA foam.

Sometimes, a memory foam mattress is referred to as a NASA foam mattress.

During lift-off, astronauts were being subjected to tremendous g-forces that the human body just wasn't designed to endure. The need for a new material, that would make these conditions tolerable for the astronauts, spawned the research that resulted in the invention of this brand new kind of foam.

If water, springs, air or any combination of those things had been an alternative, the expensive research that followed wouldn't have been needed, and the need for a new material wouldn't have existed.

Visco-elastic foam has unique qualities. It is able to mold itself to the shape of any object that puts pressure on it and, yet, when the object is removed, it will slowly return to it's original shape. The picture that comes to mind is the hand above the memory foam mattress that still has the hand print showing on it.

Memory foam is an open celled foam, which means that air is free to move from one cell to another, so when pressure is applied, the affected cells collapse and you feel sort of like you're floating down into the material.

This collapsing of the cells allows the material to "melt away" from pressure until the entire surface of your body is evenly supported over the surface of the memory foam.

It virtually eliminates pressure points.

Another unique feature of a memory foam mattress is temperature sensitivity.

Within a short time of your body lying on the mattress, your body temperature will start to cause the memory foam to soften. Any area of your body that has excess heat, such as a fevered injury, will cause the mattress to soften even further where it is touching, making memory foam the ideal material for a comfortable mattress.

The problem with the NASA foam was that it "off gassed", putting off a smell that was overpowering in the confined quarters of a space vehicle. It was eventually scrapped by NASA. To my knowledge, it was never actually used on any space mission.

At that point, memory foam was just too expensive to be used for mattresses and the off-gassing wouldn't have been acceptable either.

A few medical research companies started experimenting with the material for use in hospitals. Many patients develop bedsores when confined to bed over long periods of time.

Because it was cost effective for this application, these experiments led to using memory foam in a variety of health industry settings to alleviate pressure points in hospital patients.

Through this medical research, memory foam became more and more adaptable to use as a consumer product in the form of pillows, mattresses, toppers, chairs, etc.

The Memory Foam Mattress Industry Was Born

The memory foam mattress industry started slowly in the early 1990's and then shot into the mainstream in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

So much so, that it's difficult to find a magazine, newspaper, or television that doesn't have several ads for memory foam products running continuously.

With that kind of demand for the product it's no wonder that a lot of people started forming companies to manufacture and sell to an audience with this enormous appetite. And, yes, as in all industries, some companies are born just to make inferior products and, then, using terminology that is confusing or misleading, capitalize on the lack of good information that's available to consumers.

So let's clear some of the confusion with a few simple facts.

What Is The Difference Between Good And Bad Memory Foam?

Memory foam is graded by it's density. Imagine yourself cutting a huge "dice" (yeah, like the kind you throw on the crap table) out of memory foam 12"x12"x12" and slapping it onto the scale in your doctor's office.

The weight of that 12" sized cube is how you determine density.

For example, if your "dice" weighed 5.9 lbs. it's considered to have a density of 5.9, or if it weighs 3.2 lbs. the density is rated as 3.2.

Pretty simple, really, isn't it. Like most things, we all thought density would be determined by some E=IR formula or something terribly complex. You, now, know more about density than most of the sales people in your local mattress store.

It's also a fact that the less dense foams are made mostly of air, not foam. Less foam, less cost to manufacture...they can sell it cheaper.

For most memory foam mattresses, it's a fact that the human body is best supported by a density of 5.3 lbs. to 5.9 lbs. Any heavier than this and it tends to be too dense and won't allow the proper cell collapsing that allows your body to settle into it. Any lighter and you don't get the needed support in the hip and shoulder areas.

Another problem is that the lighter foams won't continue to return to their original shape after a relatively short lifespan. They'll lose their comfort.

Some of the 5.3+ lb. mattresses are still going strong after 15 years being just as comfortable to their users as the first day...and with no body impressions.

Remember, too, that we discussed temperature sensitivity. Not all foam being advertised as "memory foam" is temperature sensitive.

Make sure it has this feature so you get that "fine tuned" comfort.

A better memory foam mattress will contain 3 1/2", or more, of memory foam as a top layer. Any less than this probably won't keep you from bottoming out and laying on the underlying base layers of foam. Those foams aren't meant to be in contact with your body and won't comfortable for you. They are there to help the memory foam do it's job correctly.

Just remember density and temperature sensitivity, when you go shopping for your memory foam mattress and you'll be miles ahead when you purchase.

Chuck Harmon is a researcher, online marketer and the author of several articles including The 5 Deadliest Sins Most People Commit When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress...And How To Avoid Them. Get the article at http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org/Memory-Foam-5-Sins-Optin.html He is co-owner of http://www.TahoeMattressCompany.com.

How to Clean Mattress Stains

Sooner or later, almost every mattress ends up with a stain. While it's true that only the person who changes the bed will see whether or not the mattress is stained, ignoring the stain won't make it go away. You can learn how to clean mattress stains using either commercial products or things you probably have in your kitchen. After any stain removal, place a dryer sheet on the mattress before covering it with the bottom sheet to neutralize any odors and keep it smelling fresh. Here are some techniques for how to clean mattress stains of various types.

General mattress cleaning

For stains of an unknown nature, spray a citrus based cleaning product on the soiled area and let it stand for approximately five minutes to penetrate the stain. Using a clean white absorbent cloth, blot the area, pressing down firmly without rubbing for 30 seconds. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry and odor free. Citrus based cleaning products may be used on almost any type of mattress stain.

As an alternative, you can use a mild dish detergent for spot cleaning. Blot the stain with the detergent and wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

Cigarette odor removal

In addition to the risk of starting a fire, the problem with smoking in bed is that cigarette odors can penetrate absorbent materials such as mattresses deeper than the surface area that can effectively be cleaned. If you're not ready to replace your mattress, you need to find out how to remove this smell. Working in sections, use the citrus cleaner technique specified above. Repeat the cleaning and blotting process on each section of the mattress until the whole thing is dry and odor free.

Baking soda is another option. Sprinkle the whole top of the mattress with baking soda and leave it there overnight to absorb and neutralize the odors. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

Removing mold and mildew stains and odors

Cleaning mold and mildew from mattresses is a difficult, especially if they have penetrated deep inside the mattress. Since mold and mildew are caused by moisture, it might be beneficial to run a dehumidifier, heater or air conditioner in the room periodically to take the dampness out of the air to prevent mold and mildew from attacking the mattress.

Another alternative for how to clean mattress stains caused by mold and mildew is to take the mattress outside on a sunny day. Sweep off all visible mold and mildew and then vacuum the mattress with a heavy duty vacuum cleaner. Allow the sun to shine on the mattress for several hours. This will dry and freshen it.

Removing urine stain and odors

Accidents happen. When the accident involves pets or small children and mattresses it is more than just embarrassing. Urine can saturate absorbent materials such as mattresses well beyond the surface area. Cleaning urine from a mattress is difficult if it has penetrated deep into the cloth materials. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth and the related unpleasant odors.

It may be possible to rescue your mattress if you know how to clean mattress stains. First blot up as much of the urine as possible with an absorbent cloth. Then spray a product like PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution or Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate or any other brand that mentions urine odor removal on its label on the soiled area. Follow up with the blotting and drying techniques indicated above.

Vinegar will also remove urine stains. Saturate the stain with vinegar and blot until no more of the urine can be removed. Cover the area with baking soda to neutralize the odor, leaving it on overnight. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

Removing Kool-Aid stains from mattresses

Kids, brightly colored beverages and beds don't mix. Even the most careful child will have spill something eventually if they drink in bed. A mattress will soak up these liquids. It is impossible to remove the entire liquid spill from inside the mattress. The dyes in Kool-Aid generally leave a permanent stain, but you can try to remove the surface stain. First, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent white cloth. Use the citrus cleaner techniques shown above.

You might also try spraying vinegar onto the stain and letting it sit for about an hour. To remove as much liquid from the mattress as possible, cover it with a thick cloth and weigh the cloth down with a heavy book or brick. After the hour is up, spray the stain with vinegar again and blot it with a clean cloth to lift the color. Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed or no further reductions of the colored stain occur.

Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to" information at www.catalogs.com.

Why A Mattress Pad Matters

Do mattress pads really do anything? What good are they? Well, if you've ever wondered if you need one, find out here!

A mattress pad can make any mattress a great deal more comfortable. By placing extra padding on top of the regular mattress, softness can be added without removing the support of the mattress. These pads are usually one to three inches in depth and are made for several different materials which we will discuss.

Most popular types of mattress pads are:

Memory foam pad- newer product that may ring a bell. The memory foam mattresses have received a great deal of television advertising and, while they look very appealing, they are not inexpensive. Recently, a thin pad version of this mattress has appeared on the market at a much more affordable price.

This pad is about 3 inches in depth and it has all the attributes of the memory foam mattress. The foam adjusts to the pressure placed on it so that there is no undue pressure on different areas of the body. This type of pad is very popular with anyone looking for additional comfort. If you don't have a pillow-top mattress but want that comfy feel, this pad may save you from purchasing a new mattress.

Egg crate- pad that looks as if you could store eggs in it. The foam hard depressions and raised areas that provide a bit more softness when placed over a hard mattress. The person who suffers from arthritis can frequently find sleeping much more comfortable with the addition of this type of pad on the mattress.

Egg crate pads are inexpensive and readily available. To install this type of pad on the mattress, first remove the bed sheets. Place the unrolled pad on top of the mattress and smooth it into place. If the bed is for a patient, a waterproof barrier may need to be placed over the pad where the most likely soiling could occur. Then place the fitted sheet back on the mattress. It will fit a bit more snugly than before and stay on the bed very well. Then you can remake the bed with the other bedding and it is ready for use.

Latex- if someone has incontinence problems or if you have children that are going through the stage where accidents can occur at night, latex pads can protect the mattress from stains and allow you to keep the mattress sanitary and odor-free.

Wool, down or feather pads- can make a cold bed warm and cozy. These pads, especially the down pads, also offer some added padding to help achy hips, shoulders, backs and other painful problems.

Pre-warming- these electric pads work very much like an electric blanket but are on the mattress rather than over the sleeper. No more cold feet when you jump into bed. Wintertime chills run and hide very soon after you turn your electric mattress covering onto the desired setting. Some people like to sleep with the pad on; others prefer simply to use this as a pre-heating device.

Alternating pressure pad- used on a mattress for the truly bed-ridden patient. This plastic pad is placed on the mattress and is constructed of baffled tubes or sections which are filled with air or water. The pad is connected to an electric pump and the pump inflates, deflates and changes the pressure in each section at regular intervals. This can help heal a bed sore or completely prevent bed sores from occurring.

This type of medical device pad can be obtained from a medical supply house and you should learn how to properly operate the device from the professionals who provide the equipment. Some medical supply houses will rent this type of pad for the use by those who must lie on their mattresses all day and night.

No matter what situation best describes your particular needs, you'll find the perfect mattress pad to fill your nights with better sleep and comfort!

Patricia Bowlin is an entrepenuer, writer and researcher who loves to share her tips, sense of humor, advice and ideas on creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary. Get hundreds of Free useful tips, advice and ideas now by visiting http://www.best-in-bedding.com

Why A Mattress Pad Matters

Do mattress pads really do anything? What good are they? Well, if you've ever wondered if you need one, find out here!

A mattress pad can make any mattress a great deal more comfortable. By placing extra padding on top of the regular mattress, softness can be added without removing the support of the mattress. These pads are usually one to three inches in depth and are made for several different materials which we will discuss.

Most popular types of mattress pads are:

Memory foam pad- newer product that may ring a bell. The memory foam mattresses have received a great deal of television advertising and, while they look very appealing, they are not inexpensive. Recently, a thin pad version of this mattress has appeared on the market at a much more affordable price.

This pad is about 3 inches in depth and it has all the attributes of the memory foam mattress. The foam adjusts to the pressure placed on it so that there is no undue pressure on different areas of the body. This type of pad is very popular with anyone looking for additional comfort. If you don't have a pillow-top mattress but want that comfy feel, this pad may save you from purchasing a new mattress.

Egg crate- pad that looks as if you could store eggs in it. The foam hard depressions and raised areas that provide a bit more softness when placed over a hard mattress. The person who suffers from arthritis can frequently find sleeping much more comfortable with the addition of this type of pad on the mattress.

Egg crate pads are inexpensive and readily available. To install this type of pad on the mattress, first remove the bed sheets. Place the unrolled pad on top of the mattress and smooth it into place. If the bed is for a patient, a waterproof barrier may need to be placed over the pad where the most likely soiling could occur. Then place the fitted sheet back on the mattress. It will fit a bit more snugly than before and stay on the bed very well. Then you can remake the bed with the other bedding and it is ready for use.

Latex- if someone has incontinence problems or if you have children that are going through the stage where accidents can occur at night, latex pads can protect the mattress from stains and allow you to keep the mattress sanitary and odor-free.

Wool, down or feather pads- can make a cold bed warm and cozy. These pads, especially the down pads, also offer some added padding to help achy hips, shoulders, backs and other painful problems.

Pre-warming- these electric pads work very much like an electric blanket but are on the mattress rather than over the sleeper. No more cold feet when you jump into bed. Wintertime chills run and hide very soon after you turn your electric mattress covering onto the desired setting. Some people like to sleep with the pad on; others prefer simply to use this as a pre-heating device.

Alternating pressure pad- used on a mattress for the truly bed-ridden patient. This plastic pad is placed on the mattress and is constructed of baffled tubes or sections which are filled with air or water. The pad is connected to an electric pump and the pump inflates, deflates and changes the pressure in each section at regular intervals. This can help heal a bed sore or completely prevent bed sores from occurring.

This type of medical device pad can be obtained from a medical supply house and you should learn how to properly operate the device from the professionals who provide the equipment. Some medical supply houses will rent this type of pad for the use by those who must lie on their mattresses all day and night.

No matter what situation best describes your particular needs, you'll find the perfect mattress pad to fill your nights with better sleep and comfort!

Patricia Bowlin is an entrepenuer, writer and researcher who loves to share her tips, sense of humor, advice and ideas on creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary. Get hundreds of Free useful tips, advice and ideas now by visiting http://www.best-in-bedding.com