How Often Should Mattresses Be Rotated?

People don't often think about bed maintenance, but it can make a big difference. Easy preventive measures can prolong usage while improving sleep.

Extend the Life of a Mattress

Spring mattresses contain hundreds of steel coils inside. Their purpose is to create a firm but springy sleeping surface while maintaining the product's shape. When a person sleeps in the same position night after night, some of the springs are compressed more than others. Over time, this can result in an uneven surface and uncomfortable sleep.

Rotating and flipping a mattress can extend its life. Periodically, spin it end to end. Alternate this with flipping it upside down from time to time. This way, the same areas aren't constantly compressed. Flipping and rotating gives the coils and other materials a chance to bounce back.

How Often?

Experts agree that it's beneficial to move mattresses at regular intervals. But exactly how often should they be rotated and flipped?

The answer depends on the product. A good rule, though, is to move a mattress every three to four months. For example, spin it end to end today. In three months, flip it upside down. In six months, spin it end to end. In nine months, flip it again.

The good news is that moving a mattress even as infrequently as twice a year can have beneficial results.

Sleep Tight: Top Two Sleeping Positions For the Spine

Maintaining good spine health goes beyond diet and exercise—it also includes sleep. Two recommended sleeping positions should be taken advantage of for optimal spinal alignment.

1. On The Back

Sleeping on the back is the most ideal position. Working in conjunction with a quality mattress, this position naturally aligns the spine, neck, and shoulders. This position also alleviates pressure on the back and minimizes acid reflux.

2. On The Side

Side sleeping is considered the second best sleeping position for the spine. Sleeping on the side stretches the spine and opens up the oropharynx—which will reduce snoring, especially for those who suffer from sleep apnea. Also, sleeping on the left side is a great position for pregnant women because it increases blood flow to the baby and reduces acid reflux.

Things to Remember Before Bedtime

Unlike the above positions, sleeping on the stomach is detrimental. It forces the spine out of its natural shape, thereby causing overreaching and an often painful morning.

Mattresses can also get uneven and uncomfortable over time, which can cause back pain. It is recommended that mattresses are replaced every eight years, which will contribute to keeping the spine in excellent health.

Following these sleeping tips can ensure a good night's rest and a healthy back for years to come!

The Perfect Fit: Choosing the Ideal Mattress

With more options than ever, buyers can select the best mattress to fit their sleeping style, body type, and lifestyle.

Mattresses come in four standard types: innerspring, foam, latex, and air-filled. Those who prefer a traditional bed should shop for an innerspring. These range in number from 12, which provides firm support ideal for heavier individuals, to 18 for those who prefer a bouncier feel. This type of mattress is good for stomach sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses are extra firm and adapt to the pressure of the sleeper's body. They range in thickness from two to six inches and tend to be an excellent choice for side sleepers.

Latex mattresses are a pricey option, but they're the most durable and are just slightly less firm than memory foam. Also, latex has antimicrobial properties, so it's a smart choice for those with allergies.

Air-filled mattresses have a core that allows the firmness to be controlled with a remote. This feature is ideal for couples who can't agree on the type of bed they prefer.

Regardless of what a mattress buyer selects, choosing the correct mattress can make all the difference in a good night's rest.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?

We tend to take our beds for granted. Even though many of us don't give our mattresses a second thought, there will come a time when it's prudent to make a change. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

When You're Losing Sleep

If you're not getting a good night's sleep, your bed may be the culprit. When you wake up, you should feel renewed. If instead you notice aches, stiffness, soreness, or you're still tired even if you've slept enough hours, it may be time to purchase a replacement.

When It Shows Wear

Take a good, objective look. What do you see? Are there any dents, lumps, sags, or tears? This might be your answer to why you aren't sleeping well anymore.

Check Its Age

While the time frame varies from one type to the next, a lot of mattresses are designed to last five to ten years. Beyond that, issues may arise. It may lose its spring after bearing weight night after night, year after year. Anything older than seven years may need to be replaced.

You deserve to get the rest you need. A new mattress can help you feel more refreshed and revitalized.

The 5 Most Important Health Benefits of Sleep

Anyone striving to remain healthy cannot ignore the importance of sleep. While diet and exercise are major factors, the amount of rest one receives is also crucial. A family who spends enough time on their mattresses will derive benefits in the following five ways.

Reduce Inflammation

Spending at least six hours each night in bed helps reduce the inflammation connected with stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

Increase Memory and Creativity

Being well-rested makes it easier to remember things. Many people also feel more creative after a good night's rest.

Improve Athletic Performance

Athletes understand the importance of adequate sleep, especially the night before an important event. People often experience greater stamina and speed when they get enough rest.

Better Cognitive Skills

Attention deficits and learning issues often occur with kids who don't get enough sleep. People of every age will usually have an easier time learning and paying attention after sufficient slumber.

Healthy Metabolism

A lack of shuteye can make the entire body sluggish, including metabolism. This may make it difficult to maintain and lose weight.

Pay attention to every aspect of rest, including mattresses, to ensure that everyone feels as healthy as possible.

How Your Mattress's Materials Can Make or Break Your Sleep Cycle

With options ranging from memory foam to innerspring to latex, finding the most comfortable mattress can be overwhelming. Buis Mattress offers a wide selection of mattresses to please each individual's preferences. Armed with knowledge about the different materials that make each mattress unique, the purchasing decision will become much easier when looking for a new bed at a mattress store.

Memory Foam

Many are familiar with this material but unsure what makes it different from more traditional innerspring or foam options. It's a good choice for pressure point relief, however, memory foam does not provide support and is not recommended for stomach sleepers. Two common types of memory foam are the traditional memory foam and the newer gel foams. Gel foams are considered by many to be a cooler surface to sleep on. A common complaint with either type of gel foam is it is very difficult to reposition in the bed once the foam has compressed.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses have the advantage of offering different types of support by changing the design of the innerspring. Unlike other types of bedding material, you can change mattress firmness by changing the shape and length of the wire used in an innerspring. For a stomach sleeper, you can have a firmer top finish to reduce the amount of deflection in the hip area to maintain a flatter back position. For a person who suffers pressure point issues, a more progressive innerspring allows the shoulders/hips to sink into the mattress, supporting the shallow parts of the body. Innersprings also allow more air circulation, which promotes a cooler drier sleep surface.

Latex

Latex options tend to be firmer, even though there are some softer models on the market. Unlike memory foam, lLatex has the distinction of offering great pressure point relief while still providing support. Latex is a breathable product, creating a cooler solution for those who prefer a solid foam mattress. Make sure the latex bed you are looking at is manufactured using all latex components, not cheaper a poly foam core with a layer of latex on the top. Latex also inhibits dust mites, mold, and mildew. Debating over the distinctive types can be daunting when it's time to get a new mattress, but knowing the different materials makes all the difference when it comes to choosing one that works for each individual's health and comfort.

Sleep with Success

A quality mattress provides unparalleled comfort, but other lifestyle factors can also impact the depth and duration of sleep. It's important to first set a strong foundation by finding the right sleeping surface. Then, incorporate these three simple techniques to revel in restful, rejuvenating nights.

1. Step away from electronics

Circadian rhythms are natural cycles in the brain and body that regulate time. Major changes in natural light that occur at sunrise and sunset signal the body to unconsciously prepare to fall asleep or wake up. Staring at a computer screen, television, or cell phone right before hitting the mattress can trick the body’s sense of time and block the release of certain sleep-inducing chemicals like melatonin.

2. Watch your diet

Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine keep you physically and emotionally on edge. Each person’s body has a different sensitivity to these substances. As a general rule of thumb, don’t indulge after lunch.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing

According to doctors and yogis alike, placing a hand or book at the base of the ribs and breathing deeply with the diaphragm activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, calms an anxious mind, and allows the body to enter a restful state.

When combined with a high-quality mattress, these techniques help bring consistently restful nights.