The Sleep Number Bed - Advantages and Disadvantages of the Top-Selling Air Mattress
And it seems to be the buzz among mattress shoppers. I'm talking, of course, about the Sleep Number bed.
If you don't already know, the Sleep Number bed is an airbed. It uses air as the main supporting feature -- as opposed to innersprings, water or memory foam.
I'm going to tell you about its main advantages of disadvantages.
I first, however, want to tell you that I'm uniquely qualified to give this information. That's because I recently spent at least 250 hours scouring through nearly 50 online forums, message boards, consumer websites, etc. gathering information from at least 1,600 people on what they think of their mattresses.
Advantages
Comfort -- Most people are pleased with the comfort of their Sleep Number bed. In fact, those who like the bed often do so passionately.
Adjustable firmness -- The Sleep Number bed provides adjustable firmness at the push of a button, as do most air beds. More air in the mattress means more firmness, and vice versa. The Sleep Number bed offers duel air chambers which allow two people sleeping on the bed to have their own firmness setting. And the bed is called "Sleep Number" because the firmness level is indicated by a number. The firmer the setting is, the higher the number.
Disadvantages
Air loss -- All air mattresses by their nature will lose air over time (permeation), and air will need to be added to compensate. However, according to my research, about 11% of Sleep Number bed owners reported frequent and significant air loss. This apparently was mostly due to faulty air pumps and connections and not merely permeation.
Trench / intrusion in middle of bed -- According to my research, about 14% of Sleep Number bed owners said that there was a trench or intrusion in the middle of the bed between the two air chambers. This was especially noticeable when the two chambers had very different firmness levels. This trench / intrusion could undermine the bed's comfort and discourage intimate encounters among couples.
Increasing Desire To Own A Quality Spring Air Mattress
The main reason for the increasing popularity of the spring air mattress is the fact that it has been found to be more comfortable than the standard mattress that has been bought in previous years. The level of comfort that cannot be achieved by a standard mattress is due to the state of the art technology that uses a contoured exterior that is inserted in to the surface of special foam called memory foam. This technology combined with the air mattress and springs provides a spring air mattress that distributes the body’s weight evenly across the whole mattress creating a very comfortable mattress to sleep on.
This revolutionary new spring design provides an air flow through the mattress which then provides cooling at the exterior of the mattress. This cooling effect helps to avoid a hot, sticky night sleep.
The cost of this spring air mattress can still be a bit higher than a regular mattress due to the concept not yet having caught up to the conventional mattresses. As time progresses and with the increasing popularity, prices will soon be decreased by the manufacturers to meet with the customers wishes.
The spring air mattress can currently be purchased as a great substitute for the regular mattress from most furniture and department stores. As usual the internet can be used to research the wide range of style and price of these new superior quality mattresses.
The Search for Cheap Mattresses
If you are a bit tight on the budget, you might consider buying from the vast line of cheap mattresses. You can go and scout for the most affordable mattress by using the old fashioned but still reliable Yellow Pages and inquire by phone if they have any that are available. If you inquire further, you will be given a complete list of durable and reliable mattresses that are likewise affordable.
Many suppliers will be most willing to give a rundown of the different kinds of inexpensive but good quality mattresses that they have. The different types would usually include the latex foam, the futon, the spring, the air mattress, and the new natural emulsion. You will be surprised to find out once you do your shopping that there are still other types under those categories.
You might also want to log on to websites that carry various kinds of mattresses. This is the most convenient and easy way to shop for items that you need to buy. You can do your shopping and buy from the wide selection of cheap mattresses online. You will be able to get their product catalogue with the prices and descriptions of the products.
A spring type may be fun to sit on or even lie on because it bounces like a trampoline. However, you are not in the mood for fun all the time. When you want to relax, this type will just not do the job for you because of its springy movement. The hassle becomes double when someone sleeps beside you whose body movements will cause bounces.
Looking for some cheap mattresses that are durable at the same time may be hard to come by. A futon and the emulsion style can be practical choices when you want to use either one for a double purpose. Most of the time the futon is made of cotton and you can use it as your bed at night and then folded and set in a frame to serve as a couch during the day.
Some air mattresses can go for cheap mattresses since they are offered at very reasonable prices. However, they are also like the spring types that give disturbing movements. Latex foam so far is the most comfortable because it follows the contour of the human body. If you can get this type at a price that is within your limit then you can truly have a good night sleep every night.
The Sleep Number Bed - Advantages and Disadvantages of the Top-Selling Air Mattress
And it seems to be the buzz among mattress shoppers. I'm talking, of course, about the Sleep Number bed.
If you don't already know, the Sleep Number bed is an airbed. It uses air as the main supporting feature -- as opposed to innersprings, water or memory foam.
I'm going to tell you about its main advantages of disadvantages.
I first, however, want to tell you that I'm uniquely qualified to give this information. That's because I recently spent at least 250 hours scouring through nearly 50 online forums, message boards, consumer websites, etc. gathering information from at least 1,600 people on what they think of their mattresses.
Advantages
Comfort -- Most people are pleased with the comfort of their Sleep Number bed. In fact, those who like the bed often do so passionately.
Adjustable firmness -- The Sleep Number bed provides adjustable firmness at the push of a button, as do most air beds. More air in the mattress means more firmness, and vice versa. The Sleep Number bed offers duel air chambers which allow two people sleeping on the bed to have their own firmness setting. And the bed is called "Sleep Number" because the firmness level is indicated by a number. The firmer the setting is, the higher the number.
Disadvantages
Air loss -- All air mattresses by their nature will lose air over time (permeation), and air will need to be added to compensate. However, according to my research, about 11% of Sleep Number bed owners reported frequent and significant air loss. This apparently was mostly due to faulty air pumps and connections and not merely permeation.
Trench / intrusion in middle of bed -- According to my research, about 14% of Sleep Number bed owners said that there was a trench or intrusion in the middle of the bed between the two air chambers. This was especially noticeable when the two chambers had very different firmness levels. This trench / intrusion could undermine the bed's comfort and discourage intimate encounters among couples.
Expensive Air Mattresses
Expensive air mattresses are available with multiple layers of foam that make the e air mattress softer and comfortable than the less expensive brands. Some models are available with quilted layers and filled with fleece for a cloud-like feeling.
Expensive air mattresses have multiple chambers that be adjusted to fit the softness or firmness that you require for a good night's sleep. A queen-sized bed usually has two chambers on each side of the bed. There are also tri-zonal air mattresses, where the sleepers can individually adjust the head and leg portions of the mattress accordingly. This takes care of any kind of backaches or stiffness.
Foam is an integral part of an expensive air mattress. Most have anywhere between 2? to 6? of foam from the main air chambers. The newer models have what is known as memory foam. This is a 2? layer of extra foam that makes sleeping more comfortable no matter what you've set the air chambers at. The most rigid setting will feel plush and comfortable.
Most expensive air mattresses have a side support sturdy railing that allows you to sit on the side or the edge of the mattress without slipping off. Another feature is air control that allows you to fill or remove air while you are sleeping without having to handle a cumbersome pump.
Expensive air mattresses are offered with a 30-day free trial, and many also offer a 20-year warranty.
Sealy Posturepedic - How Does It Stack Up To The Competition?
To find out, I spent hundreds of hours looking through dozens of online forums, message boards, consumer websites, etc. putting together data from over 1,600 people regarding what they think of their mattresses. What my research results show is interesting.
How Posturepedic Compares to Other Innerspring Mattresses
According to my research, 65% of Sealy Posturepedic owners said that the bed was comfortable to them. This percentage is higher than Serta (45%), Simmons Beautyrest (44%) and Kingsdown (52%).
Sealy Posturepedic scored above the other brands largely because it seemed to have the least problem with sagging. In other words, many owners reported that the bed maintained its support and comfort and did not leave body impressions for at least a few years.
How Posturepedic Compares to Memory Foam and Other Types of Mattresses
Sealy Posturepedic was in the ball park when compared against other types of mattresses, according to my research. Memory foam beds (such as Tempur-pedic), airbeds (such as Sleep Number) and waterbeds, however, still beat the Posturepedic in terms of comfort.
These other types of beds also often have other advantages over the Posturepedic. For instance, they often have higher durability, do a better job of discouraging dust mite populations and allergies, and have little if any need to be flipped over.
So what's the bottom line? The Sealy Posturepedic is the king of innerspring mattresses, but does not quite stack up against other types of beds.
Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A Mattress
There are many tasks which individuals must embark on from time to time and buying a mattress is one such task which must be completed on an occasional basis. Since most people do not frequently purchase mattresses, they may be a bit lost with regard to how they should obtain the best type of mattress for their needs. There are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress which may come in handy along the way.
Know What Size Mattress You Need
The first step to purchasing a mattress is knowing what size mattress you will need for your bed. Mattresses often come in twin, double, queen and king sizes. If you don't know exactly what size you need try to look for a tag on your current mattress or determine what size bed frame you have, if it is a new bed. This will lead you in the right direction when buying a new mattress.
Firm or Soft Mattress Type
You should also determine if you are searching for a mattress with a firm or soft consistency. Some individuals who have bad backs opt for firmer mattresses as they provide better sleeping support than softer ones. On the other hand, there are certain people who like nothing more than a mattress which is soft and comfortable. Therefore, try to have in mind what type of mattress consistency you are searching for as this will help to lead you in the right direction when at the mattress store.
Price Range
Some individuals may also be buying a mattress on a budget. Since mattresses can be a bit pricey from time to time you should determine how much you want to spend on the mattress. This too will help you to narrow down the search for the perfect mattress.
Box Spring
When shopping for a new mattress you should figure out whether you are going to use your current box spring or whether you need to purchase a new one along with the mattress. Certain stores will offer deals if you buy a box spring and a mattress. Therefore, figure out if you need one of these and if so, you may be able to get a good deal on the purchase.
Specialty Mattress Store or General Department Store
Once you have figured out what type of mattress you are searching for, the next step is to head over to the store to make your purchase. Mattresses are sold at various retailers. You can go directly to a specialty store which sells only mattresses and box springs or you can go to your local department store which has a bedding section. When trying to figure out where the best place to purchase a mattress may be try calling ahead to the stores to see if they are currently offering any deals on mattress purchases or coupons on storewide items. This will help to direct you to the best retailer when buying a mattress.
Mattresses - Finding the Perfect Mattress for Your Bed
It is recommended that you replace your mattress after every 10 to 13 years. Spring bases require replacement every 12 to 13 years, while slat bases require replacement every once every ten years. For hygienic purposes, however, it is wise to replace any mattress once every 10 years, regardless of what base type it is. Peaks, dips, or lumps in your mattress from day-to-day use might also warrant mattress replacement if you frequently wake up feeling stiff or have regular backaches. As you grow older your body changes and with that your needs. An older body will better appreciate a softer, but still firm, mattress to protect the pressure points. Mattresses that are too soft will also create difficulties for older persons when getting out of bed.
When shopping for a mattress, it is important to go for superior quality. Be clear whether you want a soft, medium or hard mattress. Get the bed size correct and make sure any mattress you buy has at least a 10-year warranty. A soft mattress will allow your body to sink in and it has less dense inner foam core with more fill around the foam core. A medium mattress will allow your body to sink in but also offer a good amount of support. It will have more dense foam core and less fill around the foam. On the other hand, a firm mattress will allow for complete body support with very little fill between the foam core and the mattress cover.
A common innerspring mattress consists of three components: the spring core, the foundation and the upholstery layers. The core of the mattress supports the sleeper's body. Modern spring mattress cores, often called "innersprings" are made up of steel coils. The foundation can be of box springs, wood or a combination of wood and steel. Box springs have a rigid frame with extra-heavy springs (soft and could sag). Sometimes manufacturers put high-density block foam under the coils for a firmer foundation. Wood foundations are firm and called zero deflection units in the industry since these consist of seven or eight support slats that offer firmness and stability. The upholstery layer is also known as the comfort layer as it provides cushioning and comfort.
Air beds or air mattresses use air chambers instead of springs for support. Price ranges vary from very affordable to high-end. Some air beds can even adjust the firmness of the mattress. Mattresses made of latex (natural rubber) are very expensive and also need an expensive flexible-slat base. But a pure latex mattress can be expected to last 20 to 25 years. A latex mattress may be a good option for allergy sufferers because they're less likely to harbor mould and dust mites. The mattress doesn't wobble (reducing partner disturbance) as well. A latex overlay with a firm spring mattress is a good, economical option.
But the buzzword in mattresses today is memory foam mattress or viscoelastic. Viscoelastic foam was developed by NASA almost 30 years ago, but it is just beginning to work its way into the mattress market today. Made from polyurethane it is less 'springy' and slower to recover, hence called 'memory foam,' as it 'remembers' your shape for a while after you've moved. So a viscoelastic mattress (that has a layer of viscoelastic attached to another material, usually polyurethane foam) or viscoelastic overlays (to put on your present mattress) often make for a very comfortable bed with minimum partner disturbance. Some, however, feel it's like 'sleeping on wet or hard sand'. But viscoelastic mattresses are often used in some hospitals and nursing homes to help prevent pressure ulcers caused by lying in the same position for a long time.
Slat System Platform Beds And Memory Foam Mattresses - How To Make Them Work Together
A large majority of platform beds use a system of slats which make up the foundation of the bed system. This works well with mattresses that use a lot of batting be it cotton or cotton polyester as this helps to promote air flow. This in turn helps to keep moisture from collecting in the batting and improves the life of the mattress. However slat systems don't work so well with brands of mattresses which require a solid foundation so you'll need to make some minor modifications to use your existing bed or beds you're thinking about purchasing to make it work.
One option would be to use a ¼" sheet of plyboard over the existing set of slats. This covers the gaps between the slats and the slats beneath the plyboard will have trouble supporting the plyboard. The thin nature of ¼" should also help to hide it between the mattress and slats so that it isn't visible. It's best to measure the inside length and width of your bedframe where the mattress rests and subtract 1-2" from each dimension to be sure that the piece of plyboard you are cutting will fit correctly over the slats and won't hang over any edges. If you're worried about movement you can find non-slip material in most major hardware stores and home stores. It's the same material used in kitchen cabinets and under rugs to keep things from moving around.
Another option you can do is purchase a second set of slats. This option would give you maximum strength and support for almost any mattress and the extra set of slats can be placed in the gaps between the existing gaps to effectively fill in the foundation to be more solid. Because many slats systems are banded this may require you to purchase for a second set of slats that are unbanded which will allow you to place the slats more independently of each other between the slat system already in place.
In this article we've looked for ways to make existing platform bed systems comply with warranty requirements of mattresses which require a solid foundation. A few of the ideas presented here are just some of the many ways you can modify your existing bed system to work with your latex or memory foam mattress. One suggestion we presented here was using a ¼" of plyboard over existing slats to help form a solid foundation without gaps for your mattress. The other idea was to use a second set of slats and place them in between the existing slat system to fill in the gaps and make the foundation more solid. Always check with your mattress manufacturer to see what the warranty requirements are for your mattress to make sure that your bed's foundation will work with the type of mattress you are using. The ideas presented in this article will hopefully give you an excellent starting point in converting your existing bed system into one that will work with your new foam mattress.
Air Mattress Prices
The cheaper ones sell for $50 to $100. They may not come with a pump, which makes blowing them up extremely difficult. It is recommended that if the mattress does not come with a pump that you go out and buy one. They are reasonably priced, and you will need it! Perhaps you own another air mattress that did come with a pump. Less expensive air mattresses come with a nylon lining. Some may have a quilted or fleece lining, but you will pay closer to $100 for those.
The next step up in air mattresses is the mid range from over $100, up to around $300. These mid range mattresses come with a pump and have better lining like fleece. Some are equipped with a heating control system, which is adjustable and can provide heat to all night long. Of course these features add to the price.
The higher priced air mattresses are between $300 and $1200. These mattresses are very plush compared to the less expensive ones and have a variety of features. Most come with an electric pump have built in pillow tops and rich fleece lining. They are extremely comfortable and offer an internal heating system. The high-end air mattresses all come with a trial option and a warranty of some type. Sizes of the mattresses determine the prices. The smaller or single mattresses are, of course, cheaper as compared to queen size for a king size mattress.
Simmons Luxaire Mattress - A Buyer's Guide
Many couples loose sleep because of each others tossing and turning during the night. Mattress manufacturers have come up with various types of mattresses that offer motion separation, so that the movement of one partner does not disturb the sleep of the other. The types of mattresses offered to consumers have ranged from water mattresses, to pocket coil springs mattresses, to memory foam mattresses. Indeed, Simmons has produced all three types of these mattresses; the Simmons Natural Spring, the Simmons Beautyrest, and the Simmons Beautyrest with memory foam, respectably. And, whilst all of these mattress types do offer some degree of motion separation, the one thing they don't offer is the degree of support offered to each partner.
It is not unusual for one partner to be much heavier, by comparison, than the other, which means that each sleeper requires a different degree of support from the mattress they're sleeping on. Conventional mattresses have been unable to offer motion separation whilst at the same time, offer the individual support for the sleeper. This is where the Simmons Luxaire Mattress comes into its own.
The Simmons Beautyrest Luxaire Mattress, unlike conventional mattresses, has been designed to offer different comfort levels for both sides of the bed. The Luxaire mattress is an air mattress, where the left and right sides of the dual-chamber air mattress inflate and deflate separately with hand controls, so both sleepers can enjoy personal comfort without disrupting the other's sleep. This means that both sleepers can adjust the support to their own, individual requirements.
Not only, does the Simmons Beautyrest Luxaire mattress, allow each sleeper to adjust the comfort to their individual needs, the Luxaire mattress also comes with two controls - so you don't have to wrestle with each other.
The Simmons Luxaire mattress comes with the following features:
1. Dual-chamber airbed with heavy-duty rubber air chambers – for personalized, adjustable comfort.
2. Ergonomic controls – backlit LEDs reflect firmness levels. Auto-fill and memory features.
3. The mattress cover is a diamond-quilted, floral damask Lyocell , which make the mattress durable, soft and breathable.
4. The Simmons Luxaire comes with solid wood foundation and quilted fabric – there is a pouch on each side for hand controls.
5. Euro-top comfort layer – 2" tri-zoned memory foam is denser in the center, which is where you need the most support. 6. Visco-elastic memory foam – conforms to the exact shpre of your body, thus alleviating pressure point - especially good for those who suffer back problems.
7. StayPure satin comfort sleeve – zippered for easy removal and cleaning.
8. Protective, 6-1/2" pre-assembled foam-based tray, with a reinforced center and vinyl encased barrier, which prevents moisture from reaching the foam.
9. Whisper-quiet air compressor – designed for quicker response time and quiet inflation/deflation.
10. Simmons will set-up the new mattress and foundation and takes away your old one.
11. UL listed computerized air compressor.
12. The Simmons Luxaire mattress complies with California flammability requirements.
13. The Simmons Luxaire mattress comes in King or California King size.
14. The Beautyrest Luxaire mattress comes with manufacturer's 2-year full and 18-year prorated limited warranties.
The Simmons Beautyrest Luxaire mattress is the perfect answer for couples who want motion separation, but also want different degrees of support. It's an expensive mattress, but it does deliver the support each partner's wants and should last a lifetime. It's one of the best mattresses available for couples. With the Simmons Beautyrest Luxaire mattress two beds become one.
The Benefits of Air Mattresses
Air mattresses are equipped with inflatable, adjustable chambers. One such air mattress, the Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort, comes with two separate air chambers. A numbered remote dial controls each air chamber. The customer adjusts the mattress to the desired firmness -- or softness -- with the touch of a button. Since there are two chambers, each side of the bed can be controlled independently. This is ideal for partners with different mattress preferences.
LoungAir is offering a unique air mattress that converts to a lounge, chair, or recliner. Another type of air mattress is the low-cost, foldable variety. These inflatable mattresses are great for spare bedrooms, guest rooms, slumber parties, and even camping trips. Most of these air mattresses are simply put on the floor. These mattresses can be found at bedding stores such as Linens N Things and Bed, Bath & Beyond. They can also be found at department stores. At the time of this writing, WalMart was offering a two-position air mattress on a frame for $34. Some outdoor and camping supplies stores also sell air mattresses, as well as many online stores.
One company, however, created a more comfortable alternative to the on-the-floor air mattresses. The Raised AeroBed, by Aero Products International, Inc., is an inflatable bed that stands about two feet high. This type of air mattress can be inflated with a small electric pump.
Intex Airbed Received Dubious Reviews
The are a number of different Intex models on the market and the newest ones have some advanced features that the earlier models did not have. As with many other inflatable air mattress styles that are available, Intex has also recently introduced a model that has a built in air pump.
According to some owners of the Intex Airbed, the inclusion of an air pump as part of the inflatable bed is a much needed improvement. One reviewer who owned an Intex inflatable mattress wrote that she found that it is very stable and comfortable and she gave it high marks for not losing air as so many other similar products are known to do.
Her biggest complaint in the review that she posted, was that the inflatable one was extremely difficult to inflate. The reviewer goes on to explain that the "Intex Double Quick Air Pump" which came with the queen size air bed was anything but quick.
The manual pump failed to inflate the mattress to any significant degree after fifteen minutes of pumping. She followed the instructions as provided, which stated the manual pump was designed to pump air into the mattress during both the up and down stokes.
After more than an hour of experimenting they discovered the only way to get the pump working was to do half strokes which succeeded in getting the air into the mattress, but was a very tiring ordeal.
She concluded that the only way she would make a purchase of another Intex Airbed would be if she could get one of the newer self-inflating models. It should be noted that this particular reviewer was describing her experience with the Intex Queen Downy Airbed model.
Other reviewers have posted similar complaints about the Intex Airbed, but at the same time there are many positive comments about the quality of the inflatable mattress material that was used. It also seems that the dual wave beam construction of the bed made it more stable and comfortable, especially when used by two people.
This particular product also has a flocked air bed top, comfort feature. The material has a similar feel to velour and it covers the top side of the mattress bed. This layer helps to reduce sweating which is a common problem with many plastic and vinyl mattress beds. Another benefit of this flocked top is that the rayon becomes a non-slip surface which helps to keep the sheets in place.
Another reviewer who purchased the Intex Recreation Double Airbed did not have the same issue with inflating his Intex Airbed, as the above reviewer did. However, the problem he encountered was that the inflatable one seeped air throughout the night, leaving him with body parts resting mainly on the floor by morning and with an aching back.
His final comment was that product would be the perfect air bed to offer those out of town guests who you don't want staying for any extended period of time.
Camping Air Mattress
Some of them are used with built in air pumps, have velour tops and removable padded surface for comfort. Camping air mattresses have become an essential item for camping because they allow weary campers to get a good night's sleep in the great outdoors. The best thing about camping air mattresses is that they are all made portable and fairly light. They can be easily folded or rolled in a compact size so that they can easily fit into your vehicle. The most popular, practical and convenient choice among campers is the simpler inflatable air mattresses that are really light and easily inflated manually.
Some things to take into consideration when you are buying an air mattress for camping are to make sure that if you are camping in a tent, the air mattress will fit inside. There are specially designed air mattresses made for small tents. Also, if more than one person is camping and sleeping in one tent, get a mattress that will fit the number of people sleeping in the tent. It is more comfortable that way. Don't skimp on what you spend for a camping air mattress. It's bad enough you're sleeping outside on the ground ? you might as well have something that is comfortable and durable.