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The Best Canopy Bed Coverings for Kid and Adult Rooms

Investing in canopy bed coverings can update the look of a child’s room or even the master bedroom. For children, a canopy transforms a standard twin bed into a bed fit for a princess. Adults enjoy the romantic flair of the canopy. We can also use these same bed coverings in climates that tend to foster bugs at night for protection and security.

Product FAQ

1. What Are Canopy Bed Coverings?

Canopy bed coverings are usually a lightweight fabric that is made to cover the top of your bed. They can be used for decorative purposes or to guard against bugs, including mosquitos. If you are using it for protection, it is best to buy a design that closes completely. This is unnecessary if your canopy is only being used for decorative purposes.

2. Do We Need a Special Bed to Use Canopy Bed Coverings?

While it is possible to use most of the listed canopy bed coverings with a four-poster bed, it is not required. Many of the products we have listed can be hung from the ceiling above a full range of beds.

3. Do Canopy Bed Coverings Come in Different Sizes?

Some products listed here are made to fit a specific bed size, while others can be installed to fit anything from a baby crib to a king-sized bed. It is important to read the item’s description to make sure the covering will work for your desired bed size.

4. What Do We Need to Install Canopy Bed Coverings?

Some listed canopies come with everything needed to hang them, while others require additional items like hooks and ties. For the most part, the hangers can be installed with a basic hammer or screwdriver.

5. What Colors Do the Covering Come in?

Most of the listed sets come in either white or beige. There are also a few of the nettings that come in black. They are very sheer, so they easily blend with most bedroom decor. The sheers are usually netting or lace. The last canopy listed is more of a valance design, and it is available in several colors.

image via Pexels

How We Reviewed

We reviewed the featured products based on the following parameters: Features, Price, Quality and Where to Buy. We included a wide range of products, with some being more on the decorative end of things and others being made for utility purposes.

Overall Price Range

The lightweight mosquito nets start less than $20. As the styling changes and moves more toward lace and heavier sheers, the price jumps to around $50. The most costly canopy on the list tops the scale at over $100, as it is more of a design showpiece like a window treatment than just a net added to a standard bed.

What We Reviewed

Truedays Four Corner Post Bed Princess Canopy With Mosquito Net
Goplus Mosquito Net
Best Home 4 Corner Post Bed Canopy With Mosquito Net
IFELES 4 Corners Bed Canopy With Mosquito Net

Beige Lace Luxury Four Corner Square Princess Bed Canopy
Casablanca Palace Four Poster Bed Canopy Net
The Furniture Cove Twin Size Solid White Canopy

image via Pixabay

TruedaysFour Corner Post Bed Princess Canopy With Mosquito Net

Truedays Four Corner Post Bed Princess Canopy Mosquito Net,...

The IDEAL SIZE (86.6”L×78.7”W×98.4”H); 1 product 3 size! Perfect for covering a full/queen/king bed size in...
There are 18-20 holes per 1 inch area; fine high quality of 50D process; 100% polyester fabric.
Upgraded lager size. Enhance your bedroom and homes decor over your bed;gives an instant touch of elegance and romance.

Features

This flowy, lightweight fabric canopy is quick to mount above any bed. The design is easy to customize, so you can use this canopy over any sized bed, from an infant’s bed all the way up to a king-sized bed. The fabric is standard netting, so there is some risk in wear and tear showing quickly. This netting is better suited for decorative uses than as a shield for insects. Because it is so lightweight, we could install it with no extra hardware. It comes in one neutral color.

Quality

The netting is lightweight and budget-friendly. The price-point is low enough that one might not expect this to last beyond one season.

Where to Buy

Check Price

Goplus Mosquito Net

Goplus Mosquito Net, 4 Corner Post Bed Canopy, Quick and Easy...

High Quality Material: Made of high quality polyester mesh fabric, the bed canopy is soft, providing extra comfort...
Allowing Better Sleep: The 4-corner bed canopy is a good choice for better and quiet sleep. With the elegant design,...
Simple Elegant Outlook: Our bed canopy will enhance your bedroom and home decoration by providing a draped canopy over...

Features

The Goplus canopy bed covering is made of a slightly heavier netting that comes in either white or black. They designed this product to work both as a decorative piece and as a functional mosquito net. It is easy to hang and fast to customize to whatever size is needed. While most of the time users will want to have the sheers pinned open, this set does not come with the ties to do so. It also does not come with anything to tie the sides closed for use as a mosquito net.

Quality

The netting is mid-weight and budget-friendly. The price-point is low enough that one might not expect this to last beyond one season.

Where to Buy

Check Price

Best Home 4 Corner Post Bed Canopy With Mosquito Net

MayDecor 4 Corner Post Bed Canopy Mosquito Net Full Queen King Size...

Polyester Fabric White Color 4 Corner Post Bed Canopy
Hardware: 4 x anchors, 4 x screw hooks.
EXTREMELY DURABLE, MICRO-HOLES, NON-TREATED. A high quality, high density polyester net that is eco-friendly. To create...

Features

This product is the perfect marriage of durability and decoration. The netting on this item is heavy enough to last through several seasons of use, yet still sheer enough to add a romantic feel to any bedroom. The design is more rigid than some others on the list, so it is not as easy to make this net small enough to fit a twin bed or a crib. This is made for an adult bedroom set. The canopy can fit either a queen- or king-sized bed, and it is available in beige.

Quality

The netting is heavy and priced to last beyond one season. The design is also a step up from the basics, but it is still flexible to resize for king and queen beds.

Where to Buy

Check Price

IFELES 4 Corners Bed Canopy With Mosquito Net

IFELES 4 Corners Bed Canopy Twin Full Queen King Mosquito Net...

Features

IFELES created an elevated yet still affordable way to dress up the traditional mosquito net. They make this canopy to fit any bed like a glove. It needs to be ordered based upon your specific bed size because this is not a one-size-fits-all design. Many buyers are thrilled to learn they can buy a model to fit a California King, which is not always readily available. Because these canopies come sized, they are made to just barely brush the ground at the base of the bed. They also come with extra layers that add to the overall appearance of the sheers.

Quality

The netting is lightweight and budget-friendly. The biggest difference here is the custom sizing and perfect fit.

Where to Buy

Check Price

Beige Lace Luxury Four Corner Square Princess Bed Canopy

Beige Lace Luxury Four Corner Square Princess Bed Canopy, 72"x 86"x...

Features

Princess styling is very much a part of this canopy. This is another product that needs to be ordered by bed size, so it is difficult to customize. While this item can be installed without a four-poster bed, the styling seems to be best on this type of bed. The added lace details and the multi-layered top add to the luxury of the lacey canopy. This canopy does come in some unique sizes including an XL twin and California king.

Quality

The lace details and netting are of high quality. This item is made to be both decorative and functional.

Where to Buy

Check Price

Casablanca Palace Four Poster Bed Canopy Net

Epoch Hometex, Inc Palace 4-Post Sheer Panel Bed Canopy Gold

Features

The variety of colors available for this product make it more versatile than most on this list. It is very much a functional net with a nod to decor, as it can be purchased in many colors. This is not a lacey or frilly product by any means, so it is suitable for even the most masculine of bedrooms. While it is functional for most families, the product will not transform a little girl’s room into a princess bed. This is a product for adults, or perhaps for teens who need the extra protection of the netting and want to avoid plain white or beige netting.

Quality

The netting is functional and not made to be as pretty as some on the list. The weight is above average, so it can be expected to last beyond one season.

Where to Buy

Check Price

The Furniture Cove Twin Size Solid White Canopy

The Furniture Cove Twin Size Solid White Canopy Top Fabric - Perfect...

Features

When many people envision a canopy bed, they think of a more traditional product like this. This is not something that drapes over the edges of an ordinary bed to update the look; this is a custom-fit valance-like design that serves as a topper for a canopy bed. The crisp, white design is fit for a princess. This canopy will not work without an actual canopy frame or some metal rods. This is not a quick set-up by any means, but the product is the stuff many little girls’ dreams are made of. This is primarily made for a younger child’s room.

Quality

This is not a net canopy but a fabric system made to be used with a canopy bed. This increase in quality means it is made to last much longer than the standard netting.

Where to Buy

Check Price

The Verdict

When shopping for canopy bed coverings, there several things to consider. The first is the function of the canopy. For some, there is a need for a sturdy and functional net to ward off insects. This canopy will be far different from one we buy to add a touch of romance or luxury to the bedroom. A fully functional mosquito net may also need to be less frilly than one that is transforming a child’s room into a princess realm.

The Best Canopy For Basic Mosquito Protection

As far as functional goes, the Truesday and Goplus nets are basic canopies that fit any budget. They offer the needed protection and are easy to install. They work without a four-poster bed. These canopies are also not so feminine that they can’t be used in a young man’s room. Because of the low price, they are not made to last as long as the heavier Casablanca Palace product. That seems to be a more grown-up version of the traditional netting.

image via Pixabay

The Best Decorative Canopy

For those who are looking for a decor item and less of an actual netting feature, features like the added lace or custom fit from some canopies listed become more important. IFELES added extra layers to their netting to bump up the romantic feel and warrant the higher price.

The beige lace canopy takes the netting flare to the next level with lace details and custom sizing. This canopy can be used alone, but it works best with the four-poster bed. Beauty for this product comes in the details and how it drapes perfectly on any sized bed. The canopy bed coverings seem to be high quality and worth the added touch of luxury. This price point also means we expect it to far outlast the other nets.

The next thing to consider while shopping is the price points for each. If this is a purchase to meet a short term, seasonal need, many might just go with the most budget-friendly purchase. The higher ticketed canopies make more sense if there is a need for something durable or if this is a long-term addition to the design features of the room.

The Best Gender Neutral Canopy

The final thing to consider when shopping for canopy bed coverings is considering who will be sleeping under the canopy. Buying the Furniture Cove canopy makes perfect sense to create a princess bed, but it doesn’t fit well for a boy’s room. It also will not keep the insects out. Investing in one of the more generic canopies adds the coverage for a boy’s room without taking the decor over the top. The same can be said for bedrooms that are shared between couples. A basic net canopy can be a great compromise for couples wanting to remain semi-neutral in their room.

Whether canopy bed coverings are functional, decorative or a mix of both, there are several that fit the bill. This list gives options as far as budget, needs and also durability. Even for those who start out looking purely for functional canopies, they often find they end up also enjoying the overall look of the canopies. They are a simple way to update or change the look of the bedroom.

Ghostbed Reviews

Are you currently getting the best sleep possible? According to recent studies, roughly 75% of Americans don’t get the recommended amount of sleep each night, and at least half of Americans report their sleep as “poor.” With results like these, we shouldn’t be surprised that we feel exhausted throughout the day. If you’re one of these sufferers, then the GhostBed may be your answer to better sleep.

Poor sleep can cause several health problems — even some that don’t seem related to lack of sleep at all. Heart disease diabetes, and weight gain are all health problems in which not getting enough sleep can play a role in worsening your condition. But, even people who are sleeping fine need to do what they can to preserve their rest.

There is a new trend in mattress manufacturing right now in which most companies are moving away from the old inner-spring style mattresses to layered, memory foam-styles that contour to your body and prevent partners from disturbing each other in sleep. Following this trend are GhostBed and its competitors, all of which offer similar layers of foam and cooling technology.

There are so many mattress options on the market now, it can be difficult to decide which one may be right for you. To help, we’ll offer you a closer look at what a GhostBed actually is and how it stacks up against similar products.

What Is a GhostBed Mattress?

It may seem like an odd name for a mattress, but the origins of GhostBed are innocent enough. This mattress is named “GhostBed” because the inventor of it was afraid of ghosts under his bed as a child. This serious-yet-fun attitude has stayed with him as he invented a new kind of mattress to help people achieve good rest.

As a whole, the GhostBed is comprised of three parts: a foundation/frame, an adjustable base and the mattress. All parts work together to create a superior sleep experience.

The GhostBed mattress itself consists of three layers for optimal comfort and a great night of sleep. The bottom layer is 7.5 inches of high-density foam designed to support your body without feeling too rigid.

The middle layer is composed of 2 inches of gel memory foam. This particular gel memory foam, unique to GhostBed, uses larger cells than traditional memory foam, effectively moving heat away from the body to keep you cool throughout the night.

The final layer of the GhostBed mattress consists of aerated latex foam. There are small holes in the latex to whisk heat away from your body, further facilitating its cooling effect.

Each GhostBed comes with a plush cover made of a viscose/polyester blend that provides luxurious comfort under your sheets. Rated at a 6.5 for firmness, the GhostBed falls right in the center of the scale, providing a good night’s rest on a mattress that’s neither too firm nor too soft. It has been proven to relieve shoulder, hip and back pain and consistently rates as one of the best new mattresses on the market.

Product Specs

The GhostBed is made of three layers: high-density foam, gel memory foam and aerated latex foam. It’s available in six different sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king.

A purchase of a GhostBed mattress brings with it the option of purchasing a frame or foundation to go with it. Or, you can simply use the mattress to fit into the bedframe you already own. In addition to being supremely comfortable, the GhostBed is environmentally friendly. Each one is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they are made without matrials that deplete the ozone, such as PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead or other heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates (as regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission). The mattress also boasts of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions, improving your indoor air quality.

The GhostBed mattress is vacuum-compressed before it is shipped in a trendy green and white box. Once it arrives, and you have removed the plastic wrapping, your new mattress will expand to full size in as few as 5 days. This makes getting your new mattress home and into the room where you need it fast, easy and fun (it’s kind of interesting to watch them expand!)

Pricing

The GhostBed mattress can be found on the manufacturer’s website for about $450-$1,100. Prices vary based on the size of the mattress, with the smallest (the twin size) starting at about $450 and the largest (the California King size) costing around $1,100. With that said, we should note here that we found the prices all about $100 cheaper for each size on Amazon.com.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

Casper Mattress

Leesa Mattress

Purple Mattress

GhostBed Mattress

Price – $$

The GhostBed mattress can be found on Amazon for around $450-$1,000.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

This mattress is extremely easy to use. Simply wait for it to expand, put it on the frame and add sheets.

Assembly Time – 5 Stars

With their efficient compression system, your mattress will arrive in an easy-to-manage box. Just open, remove the plastic wrapping and let your mattress expand to full size on its own. No assembly required.

Design Quality – 5 Stars

Designers of this product obviously put a lot of thought into it. They engineered its different layers to provide the most comfort and support. Most customers are satisfied with the design of the mattress. A lot of customers especially appreciate the environmentally friendly aspect this product. Using materials that reduce allergies and are kind to the environment is a huge selling point. This mattress comes with a plush cover, which is a great additional selling point. Memory foam mattresses are not as smooth as traditional mattresses, so this cover makes the GhostBed a step above the rest.

Warranty – 5 Stars

GhostBed mattresses can be returned up to 30 days after the original purchase. It has a 101-night guarantee, during which the company will fix a problem or issue a refund. The mattress also has a 20-year warranty against defects. The accompanying cover also comes with a 1-year warranty after the date of purchase.

Pros

Environmentally friendly
Super easy to set up
Layers of comfort

Cons

Grows softer over time
Less support for heavier people
Some users reported difficulty contacting customer service

Where to Buy

https://smile.amazon.com/stores/page/A32A3A52-20DA-461F-83BF-C6F34E7A6538?store_ref=SPONSORED_SEARCH_AC1LFZ6HJX0OLHM&store_ref=SPONSORED_SEARCH_AC1LFZ6HJX0OLHM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=54dc821a-0937-4e6f-9da9-f8dd5443145d&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=ghostbed&hsa_cr_id=1145515990301&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&lp_asins=B0769G189B,B07793QSKV,B078NG393X&lp_mat_key=ghostbeds&lp_query=ghostbed&sb-ci-n=brandLogo&sb-ci-v=images%2FS%2Fabs-image-upload-na%2Fd%2Fams%2FATVPDKIKX0DER%2F63d3485acdf77b00ea909afc420e16ef.w2000.h1504._CR0%2C0%2C2000%2C1504_SX160_SY120_.png

Casper Mattress

The Casper mattress is made of four layers of foam to create breathability, bounce and support. It uses open-cell hypoallergenic latex to help sleepers remain cool and comfortable all night. Also, it comes in sizes twin through California king. Your mattress will arrive in an easy-to-manage box. When opened, your mattress will expand to its normal size within a few minutes.

Price – $$

Available online at Amazon for between $595-$1,195, depending on size.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

This product is easy to use. Simply order, open and let it expand.

Assembly Time – 5 Stars

Assembly time for this mattress is minimal as it will expand on its own within a few minutes. Then, just install onto your bed frame.

Design Quality – 4 Stars

Overall, this is a good quality product, but some customers have reported less support at the corners and an unpleasant smell that will not dissipate.

Warranty – 4 Stars

This product is covered by a 10-year limited warranty.

Pros

Super easy assembly
Fair pricing
Fast, easy shipping

Cons

Chemical smell
No edge support
Wears out quickly

Where to Buy

https://smile.amazon.com/stores/Casper/Casper/page/3A606303-3F2B-4144-825F-DC06CB423D88?store_ref=HSA_AC1PTH6B5SH25Z0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=54dc821a-0937-4e6f-9da9-f8dd5443145d&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=Casper+mattress&hsa_cr_id=1937643580801&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&lp_asins=B07G9FNW5W,B00M9COERM&lp_mat_key=casper%20mattress&lp_query=Casper%20mattress&sb-ci-n=headline&sb-ci-v=We%20made%20an%20expensive%20mattress%20that%E2%80%99s%20not%20expensive

Leesa Mattress

The Leesa mattress is made with three layers of premium foam that provide contouring support, pressure relief and all-night cooling. It sports a new top layer made of LSA200 foam for better pressure relief. The Leesa also has universal adaptive feel, which changes based on your body type as you sleep — no matter what position you sleep in. LSA200 foam also offers superior cooling comfort.

Leesa mattresses are made in the United States and the social-conscious company donates one mattress for every 10 it sells. This mattress follows the trend of memory foam mattresses and has superb reviews.

This is a less expensive option if you are looking to switch to a memory foam-style mattress, but want to save a little money. Most of these mattresses are fairly comparable in price, but this might be a good “starter mattress.”

Price – $$

Available on Amazon for approximately $375-$1,000, depending on size.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

The Leesa mattress is easy to use. Simply unbox the mattress, unwrap and let it expand to normal size.

Assembly Time – 5 Stars

This product has virtually no assembly time. Simply walk away and let it expand.

Design Quality – 4 Stars

Overall, the design quality is good. Some customers have reported sagging and sloping over time.

Warranty – 4 Stars

This product is covered by a 10-year full replacement limited warranty and a 100-night in-home trial period.

Pros

Socially conscious company
Buying mattress helps donate to someone in need
Easy set up
10-year warranty

Cons

Sags over time
Chemical smell
Hard to return if needed

Where to Buy

https://smile.amazon.com/Home-Kitchen/s?ie=UTF8&hidden-keywords=B0131L4E8I%7CB00RDITBSY%7CB0131L4JBA%7CB0131L4HLC%7CB0131L4FW8%7CB0131L4E7Y&page=1&rh=n%3A1055398%2Cssx%3Arelevance&suppress-ve=1&store_ref=SPONSORED_SEARCH_AC2WIW0HDPA5AA4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=54dc821a-0937-4e6f-9da9-f8dd5443145d&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=leesa&hsa_cr_id=2272447870001&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&lp_asins=B0131L4E8I,B00RDITBSY,B0131L4JBA&lp_mat_key=leesa&lp_query=leesa&sb-ci-n=headline&sb-ci-v=1%2F3%20of%20your%20life%20is%20spent%20in%20bed.%20Be%20comfortable.

Purple Mattress

The Purple mattress offers the “Ultimate King Bed.” It distributes equal pressure over the surface and provides spine alignment. Getting your body in the right position is the first step to finding a good night’s sleep. The Purple mattress provides motion isolation, so you don’t feel the movement of someone sleeping near you.

The free-flow air channels keep heat from being trapped so your temperature stays cool. The mattress is made of antimicrobial, non-toxic materials. The patented hyper-elastic polymer is FDA-certified as well as CertiPUR-US certified. The smart-comfort grids create walls that support or fold based on pressure, creating a custom sleep experience for each person.

Price – $$

Available on Amazon for about $700-$1,300, depending on size.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

This product is simple to use. Simply unwrap the rolled mattress and set it up on your bed frame.

Assembly Time – 5 Stars

There is almost no assembly time. Unwrap the rolled mattress and let it expand to its normal size.

Design Quality – 4 Stars

This product unique and designed with a great deal of thought.

Warranty – 4 Stars

This product offers a 10-year limited warranty with a 100-night trial period.

Pros

Easy to set up
Lots of support
Great customer service

Cons

Not for side sleepers
Dips over time
Can’t be returned though Amazon

Where to Buy

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a new mattress, the GhostBed is one of several choices that follow the trend of memory foam products that can be shipped to your door. No longer do you have to go to a store, pick out a mattress from a showroom and pay to have it delivered to your home by a moving crew.

Old-style mattresses are difficult to maneuver through your home. The GhostBed comes compressed and reanimates within a few days. Its three-layer design provides ultimate comfort, and it’s extremely environmentally friendly. This mattress also comes with a cover, which is a bonus product that makes the GhostBed a step above the others.

When compared to other products, such as the Leesa, the Casper and the Purple mattresses, it provides comparable comfort levels and durability. If you are looking to try one of these new, memory foam-based mattresses, we recommend that you take advantage of their in-home trials. A mattress is a personal purchase, and all four performed equally well when it comes to comfort, cooling and durability.

Overall, the GhostBed receives a rating of 5 Stars. It performed well in every category, is easy to set up and most customers report being very satisfied with their product. We highly recommend the GhostBed mattress as a superior product, but also recommend you consider the other very comparable products based on your body’s sleep needs. Memory foam mattresses are the way of the future, and with a little research and possible a trial period, you should be able to find one that meets your body’s needs as well as your aesthetic desires.

Purple Pillow Reviews

According to a recent article by the CDC, roughly 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. That translates to about 108 million people who struggle daily to get enough quality rest at night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping less than 7 hours a night increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and mental illness. Sleep is clearly very important for our health, but nearly one-third of us struggle with this basic health necessity. The question is, why can’t we sleep? We’re going to look at some reasons why, and then take a look at one possible solution to make our sleep more comfortable—the Purple Pillow.

For some, the struggle to sleep is due to serious conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic insomnia. However, for a lot of people, poor sleep is simply due to poor sleep conditions. This could be an old, worn out mattress; a room that’s too hot or too cold; too much noise or light; or the use of a terrible pillow. Using a worn out, worn down, or just incorrect pillow can cause all sorts of problems. So if you’re struggling to sleep, you should make sure you have a pillow that is providing the type of support you need.

The pillow dates back more than 7,000 years. The ancient Chinese used to make pillows out of rocks, bronze, and porcelain. They were ornately decorated and were used to keep the head carefully positioned during sleep. The ancient Greeks and Romans first started filling pillows with softer things, such as straw or feathers. In Mesopotamia, having more pillows was a sign of status. The industrial revolution birthed the modern pillow as we know it today, and we’ve come a long way from sleeping on decorated rocks.

In 2018, we have multiple kinds of pillows available to us. There are down pillows filled with feathers, foam pillows, microbead pillows, memory foam pillows, and more. Each one has its positive and negative qualities. Selecting a pillow is a very personal choice as each person has different needs and different structure in their back and neck. If you are considering buying a new pillow, you want to choose something that will give you good quality sleep, will last a long time, and doesn’t break the bank. Let’s look at how the Purple Pillow stacks up.

Comparison Table

No products found.

What Is A Purple Pillow?

The Purple Pillow is the name of a new pillow concept created by Tony Pearce. Originally a Kickstarter campaign, the Purple Pillow is now sold through Mattress Firm, Amazon, and other retailers. It is a spinoff of his first product, the Purple Mattress. The pillow is made out of patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer, often referred to as “the stretchy purple stuff.” The material is organized into hundreds of little triangles. A triangle is a very strong structure, and that holds true in the Purple Pillow. Where other pillows will lose their shape and turn flat, the Purple Pillows supports your head all night long and for years to come. There’s no re-adjusting or fluffing, just support. This pillow even has an “air booster” to add a little height to the pillow. The pillow and the booster fit neatly into the included cover, which is made of polyester and is very smooth against your face. It’s also breathable and stretchy enough to mold with the pillow to your head.

Product Specs

The Purple Pillow is built with firm edges, a soft center, and is made up of lots of tiny triangles to provide softness without sacrificing support. It measures 24″ x 16″ x 3″ and weighs 10.2 lbs. The pillow comes with a white cover made of polyester, bamboo, and spandex that keeps your face and neck cool at all times. It is designed to retain its shape over time and with use. The Purple Pillow uses free air flow technology with breathable channels to keep the air cool rather than trapping heat. It is naturally antimicrobial and does not use germicides, and the material protects you from allergens and dust mites. All the materials in the pillow are certified by the FDA and CertiPUR-US, making them very safe.

Pricing

The Purple Pillow retails for about $$$ on Amazon.com. The price is comparable at Mattress Firm and other retailers.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

My Pillow Premium Series

Ghostbed Luxury Memory Foam Ghost Pillow

Coop Home Goods Eden Memory Foam Pillow

Purple Pillow

No products found.

Price – $$

Ease of Cleaning

The Purple Pillow has a machine-washable cover. The pillow itself can be wiped down to keep it clean.

Durability

The Purple Pillow claims to have a long life due to the material from which it is made. Unlike foam, feathers, or polyfill, it will not wear down or pull apart. This pillow is relatively new to the market, so a true longevity test has yet to be done, but the material appears to be long-lasting.

Design Quality

The Purple Pillow has been researched at length and was created to solve several sleep-related problems at once. It considers several of the most common pillow complaints, namely overheating, wearing down over time, and constantly needing to be fluffed. However, some people found it to be too heavy and cumbersome. People who move a lot in their sleep or who like to reposition their pillow may not love the design.

Warranty

The Purple Pillow comes with a 100-day limited warranty. This is the shortest of the warranties offered on comparable products, so the guarantee on this pillow could be better.

Pros

Height adjustable
Holds its shape
Stays cool

Cons

Very heavy
Too low for a side sleeper
Height adjuster doesn’t hold air

My Pillow Premium Series

No products found.

My Pillow is made of Open Cell Poly, allowing it to breathe and stay cool all night long. It has a patented 3-piece interlocking fill that will support your head and neck for a full night of sleep. Invented by Mike Lindell, he includes a personal guarantee that My Pillow will be the most comfortable pillow you have ever owned. This pillow will adjust to the body no matter position you sleep in. It measures 17.2” x 7.1” x 6.7” and weighs 1.9 lbs. The whole pillow is machine washable and dryable, making it very easy to maintain. My Pillow comes in 2 different loft levels and it is 100% made in America.

Price – $

My Pillow Classic retails for about $, and the premium version is about $$. There is also a two-pack available for about $$.

Ease of Cleaning

My Pillow is machine washable and dryable, making it very easy to clean.

Durability

My Pillow will retain its shape for at least 2 years, which is a good rating for any kind of filled pillow.

Design Quality

This product is very well designed. It offers things customers were looking for, such as breathability and coolness through the night. It offers support while also being lightweight and moldable. My Pillow comes in different sizes and levels of firmness, allowing the customer to choose what works best for them.

Warranty

My Pillow has a 10-year warranty on any workmanship flaws or defects.

Pros

Machine washable and dryable
Different firmness levels
Fast shipping

Cons

Not the best support
Gets fuller over time
Not as durable as some others

Ghostbed Luxury Memory Foam Ghost Pillow

No products found.

The Ghost Pillow is designed to adjust to your neck and head, which will help you achieve better spine alignment. It also adjusts to your body temperature throughout the night, making sure you are cool and comfortable all night long. The Ghost Pillow uses Coolburst Airflow Technology to keep itself cool to the touch at all times. The fabric removes moisture quickly. The cover is easy to remove and can be machine-washed. Inside, the Ghost Pillow uses solid pure gel memory foam to retain shape and cradle your neck and head. This pillow measures 23.6” x 15.8” x 5.5” and weighs 2.8 lbs.

Price – $$

The Ghost Pillow retails for about $$.

Ease of Cleaning

The Ghost Pillow is relatively easy to clean. Simply remove the embroidered cover and machine wash it. The pillow itself can be wiped down.

Durability

The cover does an excellent job of protecting the pillow from stains, wear, and tear. If you spot clean the pillow, it should last for years.

Design Quality

This pillow is well designed. It provides breathability in a long-lasting, lighter-weight pillow. The gel memory foam gives the pillow extra durability that other foam does not have. The removable cover keeps the pillow clean while eliminating the need to wash, and thereby wear out, the pillow.

Warranty

The Ghost Pillow offers a 5-year warranty.

Pros

Great for neck pain
Lavender scented
Compresses easily

Cons

Doesn’t cool wel
Fresh scent dissipates
Expensive

Coop Home Goods Eden Memory Foam Pillow

No products found.

The Eden Memory Foam Pillow is made of gel-infused cooling memory foam with a gusseted design that allow for edge-to-edge support during sleep. It has a 100% polyester inner cover and an outer cover made out of 40% bamboo derived rayon and 60% polyester. The Lulltra fabric provides breathability while the gel-infused memory foam draws out heat. This will keep you comfortable all night long. The foam is shredded to prevent clumping and compacting. You can adjust the design to suit your needs using the proprietary down-like memory foam and siliconized polyfill; just add or remove as much as necessary to achieve the desired firmness. The fabric guarantees cashmere softness, making you feel like you are sleeping in a 5-star hotel every night.

Price – $$

This pillow retails online for about $80.

Ease of Cleaning

The outer case is machine washable for easy cleaning; however, the interior cannot be washed.

Durability

Since this pillow is refillable, it’s designed to last quite a long time. However, the fill does break down over time.

Design Quality

This pillow is very well designed. It provides comfort, breathability, and adjustability. The replacement polyfill also means it can last longer than a non-refillable pillow.

Warranty

The Eden Memory Foam Pillow offers a 100-night trial during which you can return the pillow for a full refund. After the trial, the pillow has a 5-year warranty.

Pros

Higher quality foam
Great for side-sleepers
Refillable

Cons

Has a slight smell
Pillow cannot be washed
Does not stay cool

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a pillow, it’s very important to get it right. Getting quality sleep is important for your overall health, so you need to be comfortable at night. Pillows have come a long way since the Chinese slept on rocks, and the Purple Pillow is certainly a vast improvement. It’s thoughtfully designed, lasts a long time, and is easy to clean. This pillow will support your head and neck, keep you cool, and stay in place. If you are looking for support above all else, we highly recommend the Purple Pillow. However, if you are looking for a more well-rounded product, My Pillow may be better for you.

My Pillow is not as durable, but it is lighter and easier to adjust. Some people found the Purple Pillow to be too low. In this case, the best pillow is the pillow the best meets your needs. Our bodies are all different, and our needs are different when it comes to nighttime support. Whether you choose the Purple Pillow or My Pillow, you will not be disappointed.

10 Best Ikea Beds

If you are buying a new house or looking to do some redecorating, you will need to find a suitable bed for your home. There are so many places out there, making it overwhelming to figure out where to go. For those who are on a tight budget but still want something stylish for their home, look at these Ikea beds.

Table of Comparison

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Ikea Beds FAQ

Image Via Pixabay

1. What Are Ikea Beds?

An Ikea bed is a necessary piece of furniture designed and crafted by Ikea. They are often cheaper than their competitors and have tons of choices to pick from.

2. Why Buy Ikea Beds?

Ikea provides quality furniture at a reasonable price. You can choose from a wide selection of beds, all of which are current in design, and save money while doing so.

3. Do I Have to Build My Ikea Bed?

Unfortunately, you will have to assemble your bed. Part of the reason Ikea furniture is so affordable is that it can easily be transported and sold in boxes. If you purchase it from Ikea directly, you can have one of their service members assemble the bed for you for a small fee.

4. Where Can You Buy an Ikea Bed?

You can easily purchase any of these Ikea beds on the Ikea website or at an Ikea store. The beds featured on this list can also be purchased on Amazon.

How We Reviewed

To make sure we got an accurate review of the best Ikea beds on the market, we spent a significant amount of time compiling a list of beds. Once we had this list, we went over the features, pros, cons, price, technical details, assembly, and warranty for each bed to determine how beneficial each would be. We then reviewed the entire list and came up with a final verdict on the best Ikea beds to date.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

The price of Ikea beds will vary depending on the size of the bed, where you purchase it from, and whether you want to have someone come and assemble it. Many of these beds do not come with bed slats or a mattress so that will be an additional cost to your overall purchase. The best Ikea beds on our list range in price from about $150 to $1,200.

What We Reviewed

1Ikea Full Bed Frame Solid Wood with Headboard
2Ikea King Size Bed Frame with Storage
3Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame White Wood
4Ikea Hemnes Full Bed Frame Black-brown Wood
5Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame Black-brown Wood
6Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Wood Platform Bed with Headboard
7Ikea Wood Full Double Bed Frame
8Manhattan Queen Bed Frame
9Ikea Leirvik Bed Frame
10Ikea Full Size Metal Country Style Bed Frame

Best Ikea Beds

1. Ikea Full Bed Frame Solid Wood with Headboard

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Features

For a simple, rustic bed, check out the Ikea Full Bed Frame Solid Wood with Headboard. This bed is economical and simple in design. It would be a great choice for a first-time home owner or for a teen’s bedroom.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 77.5 inches in length, 56 inches in width, and the headboard rests about 31.5 inches high.

Assembly

This bed will require you to assemble a majority of the piece. However, there are easy to follow instructions included with your bed. If you purchase this bed from Ikea, you can pay and have someone assemble the bed for you.

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Can be treated with stain or lacquer
Made of solid wood
Is a full size bed
Reasonably priced

CONS

Does not come with bed slats or a mattress
The headboard has gaps in it; may not be the most comfortable design to lean against

2. Ikea King Size Bed Frame with Storage

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Features

The Ikea King Size Bed Frame with Storage is a great way to save space in your home. The headboard has built-in shelves and the bottom of the bed has four storage drawers. It is compact, convenient, and stylish.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 95 inches in length, about 78.5 inches in width, and the headboard is about 43.75 inches in height.

Assembly

This bed will require you to assemble a majority of the frame. However, there are easy to follow instructions included with your bed. If you purchase this bed from Ikea, you can pay and have someone assemble the bed for you.

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

King size
Has storage drawers below the bed
Has shelves built into the headboard

CONS

Extremely more expensive than other Ikea beds

3. Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame White Wood

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Features

The Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame White Wood is a great choice for those who want a royal or rustic look in their home. This solid wood bed frame is durable and well-crafted.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 84 inches in length, about 65.75 inches in width, and the headboard is about 48 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Made of solid wood
Is both modern and elegant
Comes in an all-white exterior
Queen size

CONS

Does not come with bed slats or a mattress
White does not sit well in all households

4. Ikea Hemnes Full Bed Frame Black-brown Wood

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Features

The Ikea Hemnes Full Bed Frame Black-brown wood leans more toward brown than black in appearance. It is made of solid wood and is durable. The bed also has adjustable bed sides to accommodate your mattress.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 79 inches in length, about 58.5 inches in width, and the headboard is about 48 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Has adjustable bed sides
Made of solid wood
Has a unique color

CONS

Does not come with bed slats or a mattress
Is only a full-sized bed

5. Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame Black-brown Wood

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Features

The Ikea Hemnes Queen Bed Frame Black-brown Wood is a modern piece that would look great in a contemporary home. It is slightly raised off the ground and is sturdy enough to support more than one person. The headboard is simple, yet elegant, which helps to bring the whole piece together.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 84 inches in length, about 65.75 inches in width, and the headboard is about 48 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Black-brown in appearance
Can be disassembled if needed
Has a modern look
Queen sized

CONS

Bed slats and mattress are not included
Slightly more expensive than some other Ikea beds

6. Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Wood Platform Bed with Headboard

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Features

The Zinus Deluxe Wood Platform Bed with Headboard is a rustic-style bed with a deep brown exterior. It is simple enough in design to fit into any home, but has a special edge of flare that keeps things exciting and new. The bed is easy to assemble and built to last for years to come.

Technical Details

This bed is about 81.3 inches in length, about 59.8 inches in width, and the headboard is about 37 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

This bed comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Bed slats included
Does not require you to have a box spring
Reasonably priced
Has noise-free padded tape on the steel frame
Comes in four different sizes

CONS

The dark wood may not go with everyone’s color schemes

7. Ikea Wood Full Double Bed Frame

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Features

If you want a bed you can match to your existing furniture, check out the Ikea Wood Full Double Bed Frame. This solid wood bed is easily stained and has a design that will fit into any home. It is also one of the cheapest beds on our list.

Technical Details

It is unclear what the specific dimensions for this bed are, but it is made out of solid wood and can be stained or lacquered to your liking.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Includes bed slats
Very affordable
Can be stained or lacquered

CONS

Does not have a lot of artistic design elements
Comes in a natural birch color that may not match many room designs

8. Manhattan Queen Bed Frame

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Features

For those needing a bed upgrade on a tight budget, check out the Manhattan Queen Bed Frame. This all black bed frame is perfect for those who have limited space. It is well supported and not too difficult to assemble.

Technical Details

This bed is approximately 65 inches in length, 26.8 inches in width, and the headboard is about 30 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Comes with bed slats
Is simple in design
Reasonably priced
Has a comfortable headboard

CONS

The bed itself is rather low to the ground
Does not include a mattress

9. Ikea Leirvik Bed Frame

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Features

The Ikea Leirvik Bed Frame is one of the best Ikea beds to date. It is classy and sophisticated in style while still being fun enough for those young at heart. The metal frame makes it both sturdy and stylish.

Technical Details

This bed is about 82.25 inches in length, about 63 inches in width, and the headboard stands about 57.5 inches in height.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

Elegant in design
Queen size
Has a white, metal finish
Bed is made from iron

CONS

Bed slats and mattress sold separately
Does not supply storage units under the bed

10. Ikea Full Size Metal Country Style Bed Frame

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Features

For something more elegant, check out the Ikea Full Size Metal Country Style Bed Frame. This bed is designed with a steel frame that thinly creates swirls on the headboard. It it reasonably priced, beautiful to look at, and great for any home.

Technical Details

The approximate size is not listed for this bed, but it is made of steel with layered birch slats.

Assembly

Warranty

It is unclear whether Ikea will provide your bed with a warranty coverage. For more information, please contact your local Ikea dealer.

Pros & Cons

PROS

The layer of slats adjust to body weight
Has a pigmented epoxy/polyester powder coating for color and beauty
Has a simple, elegant design

CONS

Approximate size not available
Steel headboard may not be the most comfortable

The Verdict

Image Via Pixabay

Deciding which of these Ikea beds is perfect for you will come down to your home and your style. Our pick for the best Ikea bed to date would be the Zinus Deluxe Wood Platform Bed with Headboard. It is reasonably priced, stylish in design, and easy to assemble.

Flat Sheet vs Fitted Sheet: How to Tell the Difference

For most, making the bed is one of the first chores of the day. But before straightening up the blankets, pillows, and comforters, one must handle those bed sheets first. And while doing so, you’ll likely notice there are two types of sheets: flat and fitted. This could you to wonder what is a flat sheet vs fitted sheet.

Does a person need both? One or the other? There are some characteristics that separate the two styles, but they have one thing in common for sure: both flat sheets and fitted sheets aim to make your bed more comfortable and welcoming.

Types of Sheets

Bed sheets have been around for a long time, with the term first being used in the 15th century. Simply put, a bed sheet is a rectangular piece of cloth used as bedding. The two main types of sheets are flat and fitted, and each comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Bed sheets are used extensively in developed countries, as they improve comfort and are more sanitary.

Thread Count

Bed sheets are often described by thread count, which is the number of threads per square inch of material. Usually, the higher the count, the softer the sheet is, but the weave and material may also affect softness. The ply of a sheet is the number of fibers twisted together as the sheet is produced, and this can also impact quality and feel. For example, a two-ply, 300-count bed sheet will feel heavier than a one-ply, 400-count sheet.

Fabrics

According to the book Textiles for Residential and Commercial Interiors, the most common fabrics for bed sheets are muslin, percale, sateen, flannel, and knitted jersey. The most common materials used in bed sheets are cotton and cotton blends, with cotton and polyester being the most popular blend. Linen and silk are also popular. Cotton and Egyptian cotton are among the softest choices.In the United States and Canada, bed sheets can be sold individually but can also come in a set. Typically sets are sold according to bed size, like king or queen, and contain two pillow cases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet. Some come with other forms of bedding, such as a comforter.

What Is a Flat Sheet vs Fitted Sheet?

Flat

A flat sheet is a piece of cloth that can easily be folded and lie completely flat against any surface. Typically, a flat sheet has to be tucked in or under a mattress for a secure fit. It can also be easily removed and stored when not in use. Flat sheets are also easy to clean. They are typically known as the “top” sheet on a bed because that’s where they are often used. A person can easily sleep with a flat sheet covering them like a blanket or quilt.

A flat sheet could be used as the bottom sheet, but it would have to be tucked tightly in a particular way under the mattress, which is known as making “hospital corners.”

Fitted

A fitted sheet has two or four corners fitted with elastic bands designed to fit over a mattress. They are difficult to fold and do not lie flat. Some fitted sheets may come with drawstrings to help tighten the elastic bands and create a more secure fit. This will keep the sheet from sliding off the mattress when someone is sleeping on it. It also protects the mattress from getting dirty and from normal wear and tear.A fitted sheet is typically the “bottom” sheet on a bed, meaning it is the one that covers the mattress and the one a person sleeps on. That’s because the fitted sheet can fit securely over the mattress. So, if a person is deciding between flat sheet vs fitted sheet, there are some questions they should ask. For example, do you need a flat sheet? Or should you use a fitted sheet on the bottom?

Advantages of Not Using Both Sheets

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Many use both types of sheets when making their bed. Usually, the fitted sheet goes on first as its corners fit snugly over the corners of the mattress. The flat sheet goes on next as the top sheet, with its corners and edges tucked in under the mattress. Often, people sleep on the fitted sheet, then cover themselves with the flat sheet and a blanket, quilt, or comforter.Of course, there are some who use one type of sheet over the other. Eliminating either the flat or fitted sheet has its advantages. For one, there’s one less sheet to put on the bed when making it and one less sheet that needs to be cleaned.There are many people who live without a top or flat sheet on their beds. While the flat and fitted sheets are popular in the United States, most Europeans use duvet covers instead of a flat sheet. A duvet is a type of bedding made up of a soft bag filled with down, wool, or silk and protected with a removable cover. The removable cover is taken from the bed and cleaned when necessary.Using a duvet also prevents the situation where a sleeper will wake up and find the flat sheet scrunched up at the bottom of the bed. Duvets also make for easy bed-making, which is a plus for children. All that is needed is to move the corners of the duvet back to the corners of the bed.As mentioned before, a fitted sheet is difficult to fold and can be a challenge to clean. Often, if put in the laundry with other items, the fitted sheet may tangle around some of those items and prevent them from getting washed or dried.

Advantages of Using Both Sheets

Image by JayMantri from Pixabay

On the other hand, not using a flat or fitted sheet means you may have to clean whatever you cover yourself with more frequently or clean the mattress occasionally. That’s more work than throwing one more sheet in the laundry.Also, the flat sheet provides a snug feeling that isn’t possible with a duvet, which is too thick to tuck in. And since the flat sheet is tucked in or under the mattress, the sheet can be easily removed if it becomes uncomfortable or the sleeper becomes too warm.It also allows the sleeper to just sleep under the sheet without a quilt, blanket, or comforter if the temperature is somewhere in between too hot and too cold. None of that can’t be done with a duvet, as inserting it into the duvet cover can be difficult.Using a fitted sheet on the bottom is helpful because it protects the mattress and it is easy to clean. As mentioned before, the fitted sheet fits closely and securely on the mattress. It won’t move around if the sleeper is sliding around.Replacing either sheet is also easier and cheaper than replacing a duvet.

How to Decide Between Flat, Fitted, or None at All

Here’s how to figure out the difference between flat sheet vs fitted sheet.

Bed Size

Before buying bed sheets, a person should know the size of the bed and the length, width, and thickness of the mattress. A fitted sheet that is too big will not fit the bed properly. It’ll slide around and possibly off the mattress as the person sleeps. If it’s too small, the sheet will obviously not cover the entire mattress. And remember, if you use a mattress topper or some kind of additional layer on top of the mattress, take that into account. The flat sheet has to go over that layer too.

Decor

If you want the sheets to match the rest of your bedding and the bedroom itself, then choose your colors wisely. There’s nothing wrong with going with white or cream sheets, as they are the easiest to match. Bed sheets come in all kinds of colors and fabrics, so finding a match shouldn’t be too difficult. For the kids, there are many kinds of sheets featuring characters from television, movies, video games, and books.

Finished Look

A flat sheet usually has seams around its edges, with the wider seam meant to show that end should be placed at the head of the mattress. Occasionally, the sides do not have seams but are finished with the selvage, which is defined as a “self-finished” edge of fabric. It works as a hem that prevents fraying. Typically, the sheet is placed on the bed with the selvage side facing down.When deciding between flat sheet vs fitted sheet, it’ll come down to whatever you feel most comfortable sleeping in.

The Choice Is Yours

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

To have a flat sheet, fitted sheet, or both? That’s the question.One thing to remember in the flat sheet vs fitted sheet discussion is that personal taste matters. For many, there is no wrong answer; they’ll choose what they like best. Is having that flat sheet just extra work, or is it a saving grace during those 70-degree nights? The choice that leads to a good night of sleep is likely the right one. You should sleep on it before you decide.

Featured Image: Image by bottlein from Pixabay

How To Clean A Mattress

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It is recommended that everyone should have enough sleep daily to maintain excellent physical health and improve concentration and productivity. To have a good sleep, you will need to have a good mattress. In fact, you spend about a third of your life on your mattress. However, it should be kept clean, but many people forget to clean it regularly. The seldom-used living room sofa perhaps is cleaned more times compared to your mattress, which should not be the case. You might not know how to clean a mattress, but this article has got you covered. It highlights the various tools and steps on how to clean a mattress.

What Is A Mattress?

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Everyone sleeps on a mattress which is a large, rectangular pad that is used to support your reclining body as you sleep. Mattresses are designed to be used as a bed or on a bed frame, typically as part of a bed. A mattress comprises a quilted case made of heavy cloth and contains straw cotton, straw, hair, foam rubber, or even a framework of metal springs.

They can also be filled with water or air, and you can select one based on affordability and preference. In most instances, mattresses are placed on top of a bed base, which is solid, for example, when a platform bed is used, or elastic, such as when an upholstered wood and wire box spring are used.

Why Clean Mattresses?

A clean mattress promotes a pleasant and productive night sleep. Besides that, your mattress will last longer and doing so may prevent nasty, and typically costly, pest infestations. In the past, mattresses could be flipped over and the conventional wisdom was to do it twice a year, at which point one would take that opportunity to clean the mattress. Today, most mattresses, including the pillow-top variety, cannot be turned as they are designed to have a proper top and bottom.

However, cleaning your mattress remains a good rule of the thumb. You should check the mattress label instructions and guidelines since the manufacturer might have recommended rotating the mattress head to foot to ensure that the wear is even.

Cleaning your mattress is vital if you live in a humid environment since yours has a higher likelihood of retaining sweat and moisture even after you get out of the bed. Besides, if you have pets or small children, your mattress could contain stains you do not even know are there.

Do You Know What Is in Your Mattress?

Humans shed about 1.5 grams of skin daily. That amount is enough to feed a million dust mites. The mites can cause allergy issues, which is why it is important to clean your mattress. In fact, your mattress alone could be home to 10 million dust mites, according to the American Council of Science and Health.

Mildew, mold, sweat, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids are commonly found in and on mattresses. Unless you always have a shower before retiring to bed at night, your mattress might contain oils, dirt, and trace chemicals from various toiletries and even pollen. Once these substances accumulate, they can cause a variety of diseases such as colds.

Before chucking your mattress out the door in disgust, it may be a good idea to give it a good, deep clean. It is impossible to stick your mattress in the washing machine, but you can clean it without too much effort. The next section explains how to clean a mattress.

How To Clean A Mattress

Before you clean your mattress, you need to first strip the bed and launder your linens. You should also wash and dry your mattress pad first, then the bed sheets, and finally your duvet, comforter, or bedspread. Ensure that you check the manufacturer’s labels first. Use hot water and a dryer heat setting that is allowed and recommended since heat will kill dust mites in your bedding. While the dryer and washer take care of the bed sheets and duvet, now turn your attention to your mattress. We recommend you take the following measures.

Vacuum The Mattress

This is the first step on how to clean a mattress. The vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment is the best tool for cleaning the mattress. For effective vacuuming, start at the top of the mattress and work your way down in overlapping but narrow paths. Then you should vacuum the sides of the mattress in the same way. You should not worry about the other side of the mattress since we will get into that.

Deodorize The Mattress

This is the second step on how to clean a mattress. Here you will deodorize the mattress with baking soda. Even though we rarely notice our personal bodily smells, over time our sweat can build up and contribute to an unmistakable odor. To rid your mattress of rankness, you need to sprinkle it well with baking soda and then gently rub it in with a scrub brush. This allows the baking soda to get into the mattress fabric where the stink “lives.” You should let the baking soda sit for about ten minutes before you proceed to the next step

Repeat Vacuuming

This is the third step on how to clean a mattress. By scrubbing the baking soda into the mattress, you have helped it bond with body oils and moisture in the top layer of the mattress’s material. Therefore, vacuum it a second time, which should pull the moisture out, along with the causes of the odors.

Treat Stains

Mattresses usually contain three types of stains, including urine and blood. Even though it is best you treat the stain immediately, sometimes sleep may be more immediate and you can do it later. This is why you need to schedule your time to clean the mattress. Below you will find instructions on cleaning the stains.

For dried blood stains, you need a paste of 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%) mixed with 1 tablespoon of table salt and liquid dish soap each. You should then lightly spread this mixture onto the dried blood stain and allow it to sit until dry before scrapping the residue off. You should then dab the remaining stain with a white rag that has been dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Make sure you rotate the cloth as the stain lifts off. We recommend using a white rag as it prevents dye transfer from the fabric to the mattress.

For urine stains, which are tougher but not impossible to remove, you can use the following steps:

1Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 8 oz. of hydrogen peroxide and then add two drops of liquid dish soap.
2Dab the solution onto the spot, but make sure you do not drench your mattress.
3If you note that the stain persists, wait until it dries, then whisk together 3 tablespoons of dry laundry detergent powder and 1 tablespoon of water to make a dry foam. Ensure that the detergent does not contain oxygenated bleach.
4Lightly spread this on the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
5Scrape the dried paste away with a spoon.
6Use a white cloth that has been dipped in hydrogen peroxide to remove the paste.
7Vacuum the area.

For other bodily fluids, including vomit, open the windows and then use a white rag to blot the stain with undiluted and unscented household ammonia. Make sure not to drench your mattress. You should then wipe the area with a clean and damp cloth. Sprinkle the spot with baking soda to neutralize the ammonia odor and remove any moisture left. Let it dry and then vacuum.

Flip The Mattress And Repeat The Above Four Steps

This the fifth step on how to clean a mattress. Coil or innerspring mattresses should be flipped from side-to-side and top-to-bottom after every week in the first three months following purchase, then quarterly after that. If your mattress is a pillow-top mattress that cannot be flipped, you can rotate top-to-bottom seasonally. However, repeat the cleaning process on the other side of the mattress.

Protect The Mattress

This is the final step on how to clean a mattress. Since it is difficult cleaning a mattress, it is recommended that you protect your mattress using a mattress cover. There are mattresses that are made from waterproof layers that prevent liquids and dead skin from touching your mattress. These are highly recommended. If you have a spill, you can clean it separately.

Conclusion

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Humans shed skin daily. Mildew, mold, sweat, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids will also make your mattress dirty. If your mattress is dirty, you can no longer enjoy a comfortable sleep. A million dust mites could feed on your dry skin and can cause allergy issues, which is why it is important to clean your mattress. A clean mattress promotes a pleasant and productive night’s sleep. Besides that, cleaning your mattress will help it last longer and may prevent illness.

To clean your mattress. You need a combination of cleaning processes, including vacuuming and deodorizing the mattress. You should also treat the stains and occasionally flip the mattress. Importantly, protect your mattress by using a waterproof mattress cover. Since you can clean it separately, you do not have to clean your mattress as often. We hope that this article has adequately addressed how to clean a mattress for a productive sleep.

What Is A Pillow Sham?

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If you are a novice at bed-making and wondering “what is a pillow sham”, we’re going to go over ways to add layers of comfort and personal style to your bed. Textiles play a huge role in achieving an Instagram-worthy bed by adding textures, patterns, color and softness to areas that you occupy the most.

What Is A Pillow Sham?

A pillow sham is a decorative cover that is placed over a bed pillow. It is not, however, the same thing as a pillowcase. Pillow shams are far more sophisticated and complicated than that.

Everywhere you look, pillow shams are a staple of bedroom decor. Once you know the types, ways to use them and the thought process behind choosing the right one, the way you make your bed will change drastically.

History Of The Pillow Sham

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A sham, or pillow sham, actually comes from the well-known word sham meaning fake or covered up. Pillow shams cover pillows, but unlike basic pillow cases, they are not meant to be slept on. They are meant to make an ordinary pillow look decorative. This does not make it a throw pillow; a pillow used only for decoration.

You can remove the sham from the pillow and replace it with a traditional pillowcase to use the pillow. Shams have a hidden opening in the back with an overlapping closure, a zipper or buttons. Regular pillow cases have a side opening that doesn’t close. Pillow sham styles can change depending on the trends. They can be finished on the edges with a flange, fringe, cording, tassels or a simple edge. If you want a clean look, opt for the simple knife edge.

When To Use A Pillow Sham

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Now that we’ve addressed the question “what is a pillow sham”, we can address when to use them. The most common reason people choose to use a pillow sham is when they want to dress up a standard bed pillow. Standard pillows can be relatively inexpensive, under $, and a sham can turn them into an elegant flourish.

Although you could get away with sleeping on a sham like a regular pillow case, these cases are typically removed from the bed or placed behind the pillowcase-covered pillow. Most shams can be washed in your washing machine, but some require dry cleaning.

Pillow Sham Sizes

Shams come in four basic sizes. It’s no coincidence that they correspond with pillow sizes. Keep these dimensions handy when choosing shams for your bed:

A standard sham fits a standard pillow, 20 x26 inches
A queen sham fits a queen-sized pillow, 20 x 30 inches
A king sham fits a king-sized pillow, 20 x 36 inches
A european sham (euro sham) fits a pillow of 26 x 26 inches

These are the commonly found sizes, but there are also custom pillow shams out there that fit decorative pillows and lumbar pillows.

How To Arrange Pillow Shams

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What is a pillow sham without a strategy to arrange it beautifully on your bed? There’s no need to spend a lot of time figuring out what pillow goes where. Decorating experts have established arrangements that are pleasing to the eye. All you have to decide is which ones you like best. We encourage you to try all of them. The results may surprise you.

Stacked Pillows

This pillow arrangement might appeal to you if you are a no-frills kind of bed maker. It’s the simplest arrangement that takes the least time to do. That’s why it’s a popular choice. If you only have a few minutes to make your bed, but still want a picture-perfect looking bed, this is your choice.

Begin arranging the pillows by laying the pillows you sleep on (in normal pillowcases) flat on the mattress. Point the pillow case openings, or cuffs, toward the edge of the bed. Next, stack shammed pillows on top of the sleeping pillows. If this is just too basic for you, you can lean 1-3 decorative pillows against your stacked pillows. This step is optional.

Layered Pillows

This pillow arrangement might be your choice if you want piles of style and variety in the look of your bed. Think magazine photos and posh hotels. This is a showroom bed that uses pillows of varied sizes, textures, fabrics, and colors. The arrangement is symmetrical and a showstopper, but it takes more time to arrange and more pillows.

Begin arranging the pillows by leaning the sleeping pillows against the wall or headboard. The cuffs of the pillowcases should align with the edge of the bed. Next lean several euro size pillows in shams in a row over the standard pillows. The euro pillows can overlap or sit next to each other.

Then place two king-sized or standard pillows in shams in front of the euro pillows. Lastly, add decorative throw pillows such as a bolsters or boudoirs. You can use as many pillows or as few as you want. If you aren’t sure how to match colors, patterns and textures, we’ll get to that in a moment.

Asymmetrical Pillow Arrangement

If you don’t like structure but still want to have a cozy bed, you can let your creativity show with this pillow sham arrangement. As the name says, you would use large and small pillows on one side of the bed. They don’t have to be the same on both sides, but they should be similar in colors and patterns.

Pillow Sham Colors

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Now that your question of what is a pillow sham has been answered, you may be asking, how do I choose the colors of my shams? Of course the colors depend on your personal preferences and current bedroom decor. But you can go beyond your current situation and make your bed a seasonal sensation.

You can use different colors for each season. Think about earthy and orange colors for fall, rich reds and greens for winter, and brights and pastels for warmer months. Look at your current bedding for inspiration. If you have a monotone bed, then you have a blank slate. Look for colors and patterns that compliment your bedding.

Tips For Getting The Most From Your Pillow Shams

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Use feather inserts instead of polyfiber or synthetic filled ones in your shams. Feather filled inserts last longer and fill out the corners of your shams better. Feathers don’t bunch, and the inserts are comparably priced to polyester filled ones. Fill your sham properly and it will look great. You may be tempted to hid your old pillows in a pillow sham, but don’t do it. Using a flattened, worn out pillow will not fill the sham, and it will look sad. Sad is not a word that should come to mind when you look at your bed.

Euro shams give you height and visual interest. They also provide great support when you want to watch TV or read in bed. Use 2-3 euro shams on a queen bed and use 3-4 on a king.

Mixing Pattern, Texture And Color

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Pillow Sham Colors

Color is the first element that needs to be established. You can create a color story by using three colors from your room. Even if your bedding is white, look to the art on the walls, the rug, curtains or knick-knacks. If your room lacks any color and you aren’t set on a color, these are classic color combinations that always look great.

Navy blue, pink, deep red
Gray, blush pink, amethyst purple
Black, white, red
Light blue, white, dark brown
Bright pink, orange and white
Grey, taupe and cream

Pillow Sham Patterns

Patterns can also be mixed and matched. Choose one large pattern that will serve as your focal point. It should have all three of your colors. Then, the secondary patterns can contain one or two of your chosen colors. These patterns go well together:

Floral, geometric, solid
Buffalo check, ticking stripe, toile
Dotted, chevron, knit (texture)

There are also three categories of pattern scales, and you should make sure you have a small, medium and large version of your pattern. A small print looks like a solid from a distance. Your lead pattern will most likely be the large-scale pattern.

We’ve gone way beyond answering what is a pillow sham. There is much more to it than simply covering pillows! But there are a few more things to know:

Conclusion

Pillow shams are a great and simple way to bring elegance to your bedroom without spending a fortune. Now that you know what they are, why not find some pillow shams that reflect your style and will elevate your bedroom look?

Your Buying Guide Latex Mattress Topper

A latex mattress topper is a high-quality comforter that can add the perfect balance of softness, comfort, and support to any mattress. It’s a worthy investment that can not only extend the life of your used bed but also has long-term benefits for your health and budget.

A latex mattress topper is a comfortable addition to any bed—but shopping for one can be more complicated than you initially realized. It’s in your best interest to educate yourself on everything required to adequately analyze the type of topper that will work best for your home, all before you make a purchase.

Here, we’ve outlined points of reference for you, as well as considerations to keep in mind when evaluating products or retailers, to guide your journey to purchasing a latex mattress topper.

Why Choose A Latex Mattress Topper?

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Latex toppers have some critical advantages for a mattress, due in part to the materials of its composition. Latex mattress toppers are manufactured using sap, specifically from an organic rubber tree.

These toppers come in a large variety of sizes—extra small, small, queen, and king—to fit all types of mattresses, as well as various styles in accordance to your bedding needs.

Latex mattress toppers also range in quality, but are much higher than the typical comforter, and can bring new life to your older mattress.

Additionally, on the opposite end, these toppers can also add more firmness to mattresses that are too soft, or softness to old, hard mattresses, all without losing support. And though latex mattress toppers are more expensive than the average topper, its qualities ensure that its a long-term investment designed for years of great use.

What Is The Quality Of A Latex Topper?

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Prime latex toppers come from extractions from latex foam, an essential consideration for any buyer. Foam is an ideal material for health and home, and should be on the list of any purchaser; foam keeps the environment clean and the air fresh by circulating the air, thanks to the perforated holes through its surface, which eliminates humidity.

Foam is also a natural adapter to the human body and has some memory fabric properties. There is also no threat to chemical exposure, as no synthetics are used in the manufacturing of foam.

Here are several considerations when planning your purchase of a latex mattress topper:

It’s A Better (And More Affordable) Option Than Buying A New Mattress.

So your mattress is aged, hardened, and disturbing your sleep, and you’ve had enough—wait! Before you purchase a new mattress—which is not the cheapest decision—a latex mattress topper could be the answer to your problems.

These toppers can complement your mattress to add more comfort and years of usage. As a result, you’ll experience better, restful sleep and save money in the process.

Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can enter your bloodstream through the very air that you breathe. Studies have also shown that VOCs can lead to a vast array of health issues each year, such as:

Headaches
Unstable balance or a sense of dizziness
Irritation in the throat, nose, and eyes
Nausea
An increase in asthma symptoms

To reduce VOCs inside your home, start with the mattress. It is the one place where you spend hours each day, never knowing that its folds could be emitting VOCs, dust mites, and mildew.

Latex mattress toppers do not contain any VOCs or any other harmful chemicals. The toppers are hypoallergenic and a benefit to everyone in your home, which can ensure a healthier future for the entire family.

Natural, 100 percent latex foam is resistant to most harmful organisms and substances, such as bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens. Those who struggle with asthma or allergies, whether seasonal, indoor, or outdoor, should consider a latex topper for these very reasons.

So with a latex topper, you can say goodbye to mold and fungi; the material helps to stifle allergy and asthma attacks.

Pressure Relieving Properties

If you have head, neck, shoulder pain or back problems, latex mattress toppers offer pressure relief to enhance your sleep. Latex mattress toppers support and comfort at the same time, which work to relieve all pressure to the knees, hips, back, and up the shoulders. These tweaks help improve sleep and decrease pain. Make sure to check for 100 percent latex.

The Best Latex Toppers Are Antimicrobial

Microbes, like VOCs, can be harmful to the health of anyone in the daily vicinity of an old mattress. Bacteria grow and thrive in a moist, dark environment, like the inside of an old mattress. Mattresses can lock in moisture to create an ideal breeding space for microbes, which reproduce and can cause illnesses and intense odors, also harmful to breathe in.

Natural latex is not a haven for microbes; in fact, it’s inhospitable. With the use of a latex mattress topper, you can create a barrier between yourself and the old mattress. This usage will keep the germs, odors, and microbes from permeating into the open air, which makes it an incredible addition to your bedroom.

About Off-Gassing

Review your latex mattress topper and check to see if it’s a hybrid. Most hybrids have chemicals embedded within their materials. These chemicals can give off a terrible odor when you remove the topper from its packaging.

These odors are hazardous; prolonged exposure results in headaches, asthma, respiratory illnesses, cancer, however, a 100 percent latex topper does not contain any chemicals or odors.

About Off-Gassing

These odors are hazardous; prolonged exposure results in headaches, asthma, respiratory illnesses, cancer, however, a 100 percent latex topper does not contain any chemicals or odors.

Latex Mattress Toppers Are Cooler To Sleep In

Most market mattress toppers have one thing in common: Memory foam. While memory foam helps contour the fabric to your body shape, it also wraps you in heat, which causes you to sleep through a warmth that is uncomfortable.

Being too hot at night can disrupt anyone’s sleep cycle by causing you to sweat profusely, which can then create more moisture for the growth of microbes to reproduce in your mattress.

Natural, 100 percent latex has a cell design that allows fresh air to flow away from your body. This design eliminates most heat and possibility of moisture seeping into the nether-regions of your matters.

On Durability

Latex mattress toppers are known for being very durable and supportive for all weight classes of people. The toppers are also adaptable to any climate or season change; in the colder months, the breathable foam can help warm you and, in the spring and summer, cools you off during high temperatures or sticky humidity.

Latex Toppers Are Eco-Friendly

Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper – Medium Firmness – 2″ King Size

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As we mentioned previously, manufacturers use sap rubber and adhere to eco-friendly processes. To transform the sap into a foam, the latex goes through an environmentally-friendly, vulcanization process. No chemicals are ever added to the process, making your latex foam mattress topper safe for the planet and individuals. Additionally, the toppers are also 100 percent recyclable.

Toppers Are Reliable And Long Lasting

Note: Though latex mattress toppers are high-quality options when compared to regular products, these aren’t permanent solutions. All toppers are temporary, made from the same material as latex mattresses, and also have a 20-year lifespan. The toppers are also easy to move and portable due to its lighter weight in comparison to larger mattresses.

Outstanding Motion Transfer And Noise Elimination

If your partner snores or does not sleep soundly, you may be forced to seek a mattress motion sample that softens or nullifies noise, which a 100 percent foam topper offers.

Comfort Varies

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Toppers provide different levels of comfort. A latex mattress topper can add softness to any mattress, but you can determine the level of softness or firmness in your purchase selection. Some products contour to your shape and hug the skin more.

Other options have a level of sinkage or quicker fabric response time to maximize performance for when occupants move during sleep. You can determine comfort by examining the thickness level of your topper.

Warranties And Return Policies Differ

The fine print of your potential purchase can be instrumental in whether you have a smooth experience after buying the latex mattress topper or not. First off, check to see if the warranty protects against any defects, sagging, or odors out of the box.

Most latex toppers will come with a smell, which often disappears after two days or 48 hours. The warranty should cover excessive odors past the 48-hour expectancy. Questions you should ask yourself include: What exactly does the warranty cover, and for how long?

Also, you should choose a topper that has an excellent return option. Return options are tricky, so you should ask yourself:

What is the return policy?
Does the return policy have options?
Are there any specific return costs?
Does the company mention the return costs upfront?
How much time or days do I have to try out the mattress? (We suggest 90 days.)
Does the company or manufacturer have an exchange policy in place?
Will the company pick up the topper? Or do I have to ship it back?

5 Best Mattress Protectors

Your bed is one of the most important elements of your bedroom; it is the place where you can finally relax after a long hard day. Your mattress is an integral part of this experience as having a comfortable mattress ensures a good night’s sleep. Because of this, buying a mattress can be a difficult and expensive process, involving many decisions about size, material, and brand. Many people spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars selecting a mattress that satisfies all of their needs and requirements, which is what leads many to consider buying a mattress protector. The right mattress allows its owner to have a restful sleep and awaken without pain or discomfort. It needs to match the body type and lifestyle of its owner, providing the perfect balance between soft and hard. After spending energy and money selecting the perfect mattress to match your body’s needs, nothing is worse than spilling on your new possession. This is where protectors become useful; they are the perfect solution for mattress owners who would like to avoid stains and bacteria on their mattresses.

What Are Mattress Protectors?

Mattress protectors are designed to protect your new valuable mattress from spills, stains, bugs, and bacteria. They are placed over the mattress, providing a barrier between your prized possession and the many hazards of a bedroom. They do not allow liquid to seep through, and they keep bedbugs and other pests from invading your sleeping area. They can also help with temperature management, keeping the mattress cool when necessary, and causing a warming effect on a cold night.

Is There a Need for Mattress Protectors?

While mattress protectors are often considered to be a luxury rather than a necessity, they are actually very important for increasing the lifespan of your mattress and keeping it in prime condition. Why would you want such an important, and often pricey, investment to become dirty and smelly after a few small mishaps? If keeping your bed sanitary is a priority, then you need mattress protection. Additionally, mattresses are often difficult to transport during a move, and selling a stained, smelly mattress is much harder than getting rid of a spotless one.

Another use of mattress protectors is the avoidance of pests and bacteria that commonly frequent bedrooms. These products are incredibly useful for fending off bedbugs, a common household pest that is nearly impossible to eradicate. They also alleviate discomfort due to allergies as they often can reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies to dust mites. A well-chosen mattress protector is a key to a clean, comfortable bedroom and a good night’s sleep.

How to Use Mattress Protectors

A protector should be placed on top of your mattress, neatly conforming to its size and shape. It often has a zipper to effectively seal the mattress and ensure ultimate protection. After it has been secured and zipped around the mattress, you can place the sheets and pillows on top.

Best Mattress Protectors

Bear Mattress Protector

The Bear Mattress Protector is one of the best options on the market. Along with protecting your mattress, it guarantees a long, deep sleep every night with its temperature regulation. It was originally created for athletes needing recovery from strenuous exercise, so its creators take comfort very seriously. This product keeps out all liquids, dust, and bacteria, safeguarding your mattress from spills and the natural bodily secretions that occur during sleep.

It was also designed with temperature adjustment technology that keeps warmth and moisture away from the body, providing a cooler and more comfortable experience. This technology allows the mattress protector to respond to changes in the room’s temperature. For those who frequently wake up sweaty and overheated, this is the perfect solution. It is also resistant to water, alleviating any worries about accidental bed-wetting or a misplaced glass of wine.

PROS

Very breathable
Waterproof
Temperature regulation

CONS

Can be unsatisfactory for those who prefer warmer sleeping conditions
Can be slightly uncomfortable material

Casper Mattress Protector

The Casper Mattress Protector provides the ultimate comfort for a restful night. It has additional padding and fits the mattress snugly, with no rustles or fabric bunching. Its main function is to keep out liquids and unwanted pests and bacteria. However, the Casper brings comfort to a new level with its quilted material. It is much more than simply a protector- it transforms an average mattress into a soft, cushiony cloud.

This protector is considered to have a double function of a protector and a mattress pad, so if you are searching for a way to protect your mattress without compromising comfort, this is the answer. It is made with waterproof fabric that effectively guards against dirt and spills. In the fabric, there are tiny pores that keep out liquid spills but are large enough to provide ventilation. These have been shown to keep out water that has been left on the mattress protector for hours.

PROS

Effectively keeps out liquids
Ultimate comfort and padding
Fights against overheating

CONS

Padding can be too much for hard-surface sleepers
The pores have more potential for letting in bacteria

Linenspa Mattress Protector

The Linenspa Mattress Protector is another great choice when deciding how to best protect your new mattress. It is made of a soft and breathable material that has a distinct cooling effect on the mattress. This allows for a cool, refreshing night of sleep along with the knowledge that your mattress is safe from unsanitary intruders. The fabric used in this product is also very smooth, causing no bunching of material or annoying crinkly noises.

This option has a waterproof barrier on all sides of the mattress and is machine washable for easy maintenance and cleanliness. This protector is also known for its perfect fit to the mattress. Its zippered closure provides a secure fit, encasing the entire bed with soft and comfortable fabric. It is also made of vinyl-free materials, which makes it safe for children and animals.

PROS

Vinyl-free material
Lightweight and breathable
Snug fit to the mattress

CONS

No additional padding
No heat-regulation function

Lucid

The Lucid mattress protector is one of the most popular options on the market, designed with a mix of cotton and rayon from bamboo, which allows for the perfect combination of liquid protection and a soft sleeping surface. This protector also fits snugly onto the mattress, providing a wrinkle-free sleeping experience. It is also machine washable, causing the maintenance of cleanliness to be almost effortless. The Lucid is an ideal option to keep your mattress safe from allergens, bacteria, and liquid.

This protector uses a technology called Stratosmart, and it specializes in guarding against liquids and keeping out pests. It fits smoothly to the mattress and is completely noiseless, causing no disruptions to peaceful sleep.

PROS

Keeps out liquids
No loud crinkly noises due to the snug fit
Very light and breathable

CONS

No extra padding
No heat-regulation technology

Saferest

Last but not least, Saferest is another ideal way to guard against household hazards such as bedbugs, dust mites, allergens, and liquids. It will keep any mattress safe from excessive perspiration on a hot night or the dreaded infestation of bedbugs. This protector was designed using hypoallergenic cotton material that is proven to be completely waterproof. It also provides plenty of ventilation, allowing for a cool sleeping experience.

The Saferest protector is also noiseless, meaning that no disturbing rustles will awaken you during the night. You can go to sleep feeling secure that your mattress is safe and never be woken up by uncomfortable fabric or loud noises. This option does the job of a mattress protector without dramatically changing the experience of the original mattress. It is a good option for someone who is already satisfied with his or her mattress but who wants the extra security of a protector.

PROS

Noiseless and rustle-free
Hypoallergenic

CONS

No extra padding
No special temperature-regulating technology

Conclusion

After considering the many options for protection of one’s mattress, we believe we have found the five best products. Each of these mattress protectors provides users with a solution to the anxiety that comes with making important purchases. With an effective protector, you can go to sleep feeling comfortable and secure against pests and bacteria. Additionally, you can stop worrying about spills of water and other liquids.

Temperature-sensitive protectors are also the perfect solution for hot sleepers, as they often are designed with technology to moderate the temperature of the room, providing the sleeper with a cooler night’s sleep. Protecting a mattress may be frequently overlooked, but it actually provides many important functions. No one wants to worry about an expensive new mattress becoming stained or smelly. A mattress protector helps to keep mattresses clean and sets mattress owner’s minds at ease.

Keeping your possessions in prime condition is important if you value the cleanliness and presentation of your home. If you recently purchased the perfect new mattress, don’t hesitate to buy a protector using our comprehensive list. It is a decision you will definitely not regret.

A Guide To The Science Of Sleep & How You Can Maximize Your Zzz’s

A Guide to the Science of Sleep & How You Can Maximize Your Zzz’s — Image by xiangying_xu via Pixabay

You know the feeling—you had a restless night followed by an early morning, and no amount of coffee can help stop you from dragging yourself through the day. That night you go to bed early, sleep straight through the night and bound out of bed with renewed vigor. We all know sleep is essential, but have you stopped to think about the science of sleep?

What Is Sleep Anyway?

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While you’re awake, your brain produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine—these keep us alert while we’re awake. Those days when you feel like you’re dragging 20 pounds of rocks behind you probably indicates a dip in those neurotransmitters.

Your brain also produces neurons signaling your body to switch off the chemicals keeping you awake. All of this happens as part of your natural circadian rhythm. This is the 24-hour pattern your body follows to signal it’s time to sleep. This pattern is influenced partly by your environment like if it’s light or dark, loud or quiet or stimulating or calm.

Stages of Sleep

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You ever watch somebody sleep—not all night, that’s weird—but just for a minute and notice how peaceful they look? Well, there’s a lot going on under those closed lids. There are several stages of sleep happening every night. There are two main phases of sleep—REM and non-REM.

Non-REM sleep comes in stages and gently slows down your heart rate, breathing rate and lowers your temperature—all designed to keep you asleep. If these stages don’t get interrupted, you drift into the most active stage of sleep—REM.

REM or rapid eye movement makes up one-quarter of our overall sleep. REM is marked by vigorous brain activity because the brain is consolidating and categorizing information it took in throughout your day and processing memories. This is why you’re tired after a highly stimulating day with a lot of new information being thrown at you—your brain has a lot of processing to do.

What Happens during These Stages of Sleep?

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Well, that’s a great question and a big area in the study of the science of sleep. The brain is still a mystery in a lot of ways. What happens when we sleep has been studied and theorized about for decades. We know REM sleep is when your most vivid dreams occur possibly because your brain is dealing with emotions you didn’t address during your daily, waking life.

You cycle through the 5 stages of sleep—4 of them non-REM and 1 REM—every 90-110 minutes. So, what are these cycles all about?

Stage 1 (1-7 Minutes)

This is your half-awake, half-asleep state. Your eyelids are heavy, and you start to drift off but then the dog barks, and you wake up. This is the equivalent of dipping your toe in the pool—having one potato chip—you’re going to cave. This cycle repeats itself all night so you will be easily awoken a few times a night.

Stage 2 (8-25 Minutes)

This is called light sleep. Your brain activity is slowing and, while you’re still awoken fairly easily, you’re farther gone than when you’re first drooping your head at your desk.

Stage 3 (25-40 Minutes)

Ok, you’re really in the thick of things. You’re harder to wake up, and your brain waves slow even more. Your brain is now producing delta waves which help you drift into an even deeper sleep.

Stage 4 (20-40 Minutes)

Some doctors don’t believe stages 3 and 4 are separate. Stage 4 could be the latter part of the third stage, but it’s known as deep sleep. This is when you are hardest to wake up, you’re producing lots of delta waves, your muscles relax and your breathing and heart rate slow.

Stage 5/REM (10-60 Minutes)

Your brain is perking up now, and electrical activity picks up the pace. You may be in a vivid dream. Your muscles are temporarily paralysed—weird, right—and your eyes are darting back and forth.

So Why Is Sleep So Important?

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Now you know what sleep is but why is it so important? Why is a lack of sleep almost debilitating and a good night’s sleep rejuvenating? We’re discussing the science of sleep, and so there’s science to the need for slumber.

Immune System

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Remember the last time you had the flu or felt you were coming down with something? Your body needs sleep to repair itself. When you sleep, your body makes a specific protein—cytokines—to attack whatever is making you feel awful. Go to bed when you’re sick—not to work, or the bar. These little buggers increase when you’re stressed too, so you have to sleep.

They run through your body all night attacking viruses and battling inflammation. There are studies showing people who got eight hours of sleep had better results with the influenza vaccination.

Chronic lack of sleep can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It’s better to nip sleep issues in the bud early, so you don’t set yourself up with more serious health issues.

Your Mind

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Your mind functions best when it’s had a good amount of sleep. Researchers conclude your brain processes all the information it received during the day and stores it as memory. If you feel you’re not thinking clearly, try hitting the hay—your brain has had so much information it needs you to shut down so it can go to work.

This is why babies spend so much of their time sleeping. Everything is new to them, and they need a lot of time to process it all. Imagine trying to understand walls, carpeting, dogs and strange people speaking a foreign language to you all day—you’d need a nap or two.

There was a study where a group of teenagers was given information at 9 am and were tested on that information at 9 pm. They did 20% worse than another group who got the information at 9 pm, slept on it and took the test at 9 am. Sleep makes you sharper, healthier and happier.

Your Sleep on a Timer

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Each person’s circadian rhythm—or internal clock—is different and part of the science of sleep. Some people only need five hours of sleep while others need nine because their internal clocks are different. This internal clock is controlled by a part of the brain that responds and is sensitive to light.

If you’re sleepy, you need to sleep—even a nap will rejuvenate your mind and body. You can alter your sleep clock by sticking to a new sleep routine, for instance, when you change your work schedule and switch to a different but reliable new schedule. When you sleep in on a Sunday, you may throw your own clock off. Here’s how to keep your timer on an even keel:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule—you’ll have off nights, but if you can keep a sleep routine 90% of the time, you’ll help yourself big time
Get outside in the morning—going for a walk, having coffee in the sun, throwing a ball for your dog—all will expose you to bright sunlight and let your brain know it’s time to wake up
Shut that thing down—it’s nighttime, and you’re relaxing with your smartphone or tablet. Well, what you’re really doing is telling your brain it’s still daylight—shut it down

So How Much Sleep Is Enough?

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Well, isn’t this the magic question? Luckily, there’s an entire institute dedicated only to sleep. They’re the ones who set the 8-hour standard decades ago, but their research has updated that number.

How much sleep you require depends on quite a few factors:

Age
Overall health
Recent lifestyle changes
Stress
A recent impact to the body—running a marathon or breaking a bone—same thing to us
Do you need caffeine to get you through the day?
When you’re driving do you immediately feel sleepy?

The National Sleep Institute has broken down sleep needs by age. This is important to cross-reference if you feel you’re not getting enough or are getting too much and still don’t feel awake.

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Newborns (0-3 months)—14-17 hours per day
Infants (4-11 months)—12-15 hours
Toddlers (1-2 years)—11-14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years)—10-13 hours
School-age children (6-13 years)—9-11 hours
Teenagers (14-17 years)—8-10 hours
Adults (18 to 64 years)—7-9 hours
Older adults (65+)—7-8 hours

Quality of Sleep

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Ah, yes. The unicorn of the science of sleep—good quality. If you don’t feel rested in the morning and you’ve slept long enough, it’s probably your sleep quality. But how do you know for sure? Well, there’s actually a definition for good quality sleep:

Spending 85% of your time in bed sleeping—total time asleep minus checking your phone, watching tv, reading and just plain waiting to fall asleep
Falling asleep in 30 minutes or fewer
Waking up only one time per night
Falling back to sleep in 20 minutes or fewer when or if you do wake up

In this case, quality and quantity are equally important.

How to Improve Sleep Quality

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If you’ve ticked off that you’re getting enough time in the sack, but you still aren’t feeling rested, it’s probably time to look at the quality of the sleep you’re getting. We’ve got some tried-and-true ways for you to tweak your sleep routines to move those z’s into the quality category.

Daylight during the Day

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Get more light during the day—remember that internal clock we talked about? It needs light during the day to transition at night. If you spend all day in a dark office, get out in the morning, at lunch and one more time in the afternoon. If you can’t get outside, get an artificial bright light bulb.

This could help you with depression too which, in turn, will help you sleep. See? Daylight is a fantastic thing.

Blue Light Not So Special

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Stop with the phones, tablets, and computers already! Seriously, the blue light they expose you to confuses your brain. It reduces the number of sleep hormones your body produces because you’ve tricked your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. Here’s how you can do yourself a favor and limit your blue light exposure:

Buy a Pair of Blue Light Blocking Glasses

These also help with eye fatigue if you spend half your life on a computer.

Download an App That Blocks Blue Light.

Some more popular applications are f.lux, Redshift, SunsetScreen, Iris, Twilight and Night Shift.

Turn off all devices

This includes TV two hours before bed—we feel the same way—but it helps.

Caffeine

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90% of the world consumes some kind of caffeine. It’s great as an eye opener or just a cup of focus in the morning. Here’s the deal—you could really be messing with the quality of your sleep. Caffeine stays elevated in your bloodstream for 6-8 hours.

If you need to be asleep by 11, that means no caffeine after 3 pm. Coffee, any tea but herbal, soda and energy drinks all will be your sleep’s enemy. Stick to non-caffeinated versions of your favorite drink. Ahhh, the science of sleep.

Keep a Schedule

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We know how glorious it is to sleep in on the weekends, but do you notice how tired you are on Monday and Tuesday? Well, you’ve jacked up your sleep timer by getting out of your normal sleep routine.

Do your best to go to sleep and wake up at the same times consistently. Yes, that means not sleeping until noon every weekend. We can hear the groans from here. Give it a shot for a few weeks and see if you feel better. It may just solve your sleep issues.

Supplement Your Sleep

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Some people don’t want to take vitamins or supplements to aid their sleep, and we’re not judging that. Some folks don’t want to change anything that’s normal. Just so you know, polio is natural—just saying. If you are ready to explore the supplemental help, you can get from certain herbal remedies. Think about giving these a try:

Melatonin

The most popular sleep supplement, it helps people fall asleep faster and feel better the next day. Start with a low dose to make sure you’re tolerant and increase it slowly—check with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.

Valerian Root

Also a popular one. Taking 500 mg before bed to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Some people report feeling sluggish, but the number of people it helps outnumbers them

Magnesium

Already plays an important role in your body. It helps to improve relaxation and eases restlessness, including restless legs

L-Theanine

This amino acid can improve relaxation to help you sleep. Try 100-200 mg before turning in

You could go the essential oil route—people have found success with diffusers and a pulse point roll on. Studies show smelling certain scents can be as effective as a sleeping pill for some people. Try these oils to help you and your mind relax and drift off:

Lavender
Valerian
Clary sage
Sweet marjoram
Roman chamomile
Bergamot
Jasmine

Try rubbing a drop of two into your hands and sniff your hands in calm breaths. Add a few drops to your bath water, add them to Epsom salts or use a diffuser.

Step into Your Bedroom

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You may not want to hear this, but your bedroom could stand an overhaul. Too often we think about the main areas of our house—living room, kitchen, guest bathroom—and ensure they’re always guest ready yet you spend 30% of your life in your bedroom. It’s time to make sure it’s primed for sleep.

Colors That Promote Sleep

(DESIGNER_START)Consider showing the colors here(DESIGNER_STOP)The color of your walls can either help or diminish your quality of sleep. So, what are the best colors?

Icy blue

To your brain this mimics the night sky and is a great way, once your lights are out, to imagine sleeping under the stars.

Soft Green

Pick one with gray undertones and no pastels—this creates a relaxing atmosphere to prepare you for sleep.

Dark Blue

Not bright blue, pick one with some gray in it to mimic a dark night sky. Throw pops of icy blue or white to make your room open up because dark rooms can make your room seem smaller.

Lavender

We know, we know… but if you pick a pale version, that’s not pastel—it can soothe your mind and calm your senses. Maybe just browse the lavender swatches and see if you can come to terms with it.

Colors That Inhibit Sleep

(DESIGNER_START)Consider showing the colors here(DESIGNER_STOP)There are colors that absolutely do the opposite of promoting sleep. Think about re-hauling your walls if they’re currently any of these colors:

Purple

People who had this color bedroom reported the least amount of sleep of all the colors. Yes, it’s an opulent color, but it also inspires creativity—not great for sleep.

Red

You’ve heard the term “seeing red”? It’s not a good thing. Red is the universal color for danger and anger. We’re guessing it’s kinda hard to sleep while angry at all the danger.

Brown

While this is a popular color for bedrooms, it’s also a gloomy color and makes many people feel sad. Those with brown bedrooms had the second worst night’s sleep.

Gray

There’s a reason the song says “you make me happy when skies are gray”—it’s because gray makes us gloomy. You don’t want to feel gloomy when you’re trying to sleep.

Temperature, Sound, and Light

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(designer_start) [insert gif of John Krasinski with his finger to his mouth shaking his head from A Quiet Place] (designer_stop)

Other studies show many people don’t realize how ambient light can affect their sleep. Get blackout curtains to keep pre-dawn or street lamp light from sneaking into your room. If you have an alarm clock or cable box throwing off the light, consider putting a piece of dark tape over the screen.

Ambient noise can drown out street sounds, the downstairs TV or snoring from your partner or dog. There are great apps like Rain Rain that mimic the sound of rain and wind if that’s a soothing sound to you. You can turn on a fan or pop in some earplugs to silence the room.

Have you ever rolled around on a bed in the miserable summer heat in a room with no air conditioning? Ugh—even the thought of it makes us unable to sleep. That’s why experts say it’s a good idea to lower the temperature in your room. You should keep your bedroom no warmer than 70 degrees at night, colder if you like it chilly.

Exercise

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Yeah, we know. Exercise is kind of a cure-all in science, not just the science of sleep. Exercise keeps your epinephrine and adrenaline hormones pumping, and those are great—for staying awake. Get your exercise in at least two hours before bed, preferably four.

We still suggest getting your exercise in during the morning hours so you can soak up some sun and tell your body is time to wake up. Regular exercise is one of the most prescribed ways to get better sleep—cutting falling asleep time in almost half.

Stop Drinking Alcohol and Stuff

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We know how relaxing it can be to have a glass or two of wine at the end of the day, but it doesn’t do great things for your actual sleep. It can increase symptoms of sleep apnea, snoring and restless sleep. It also alters your body’s ability to produce melatonin which you need to sleep.

One more thing—liquids will increase your chance of having to wake up in the middle of the night. Remember, to have quality sleep, by definition, means not waking up more than once. If you wait to get your day’s quota of water in until an hour before bed, you will not be well rested.

What Does Sleep Deprivation Do?

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Sleep deprivation differs from having a bad night’s sleep. For people who shave time off their sleep each night over a long period, the effects are staggering:

Cravings for sweet, salty and starchy foods
Obesity
Falling asleep at the wheel
6,000 fatal car crashes by drowsy drivers each year
3 times the normal risk of type 2 diabetes
Increased risk for colorectal cancer
48% increased risk for heart disease
33% increased risk in dementia
Increased risk for anxiety, depression, irritability, and forgetfulness

Don’t be fooled into thinking one or two good night’s sleep can wipe out weeks or months of sleep deprivation—it only works for four to six hours after waking, and you’re right back in a bad place.

All great reasons to really rev up your sleep schedule and sleep routines—your health and longevity depend on it.

What If It’s a Disorder?

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How do you tell if you’re just going through a brief rough patch with sleep or if it’s an actual disorder for which you may need help? The key is the word “brief.” Take a look at the most common sleep disorders.

Insomnia

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Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder affecting one-third of Americans. While it may be common, it’s no laughing matter. We can all handle having a hard time falling asleep for a night or two but anything past that and just the thought of going to bed at night stresses us out for fear we won’t fall asleep.

Symptoms of Insomnia:

Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying asleep
These symptoms are chronic, not acute

Causes of Insomnia:

Stress
Anxiety
Certain medications
Alcohol or drug use
Depression

Treatment:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Meditation
Prescription Sleep Medication

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your inability to sleep if no home remedy is working. You know now how destructive long-term insomnia can be. There are miracle solutions for insomnia—it may take a few tries to figure out what works best for you, but there is hope.

Sleep Apnea

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This is the second most common sleep disorder for Americans. If you’ve ever been called out for snoring by a friend or partner, it’s easy to blame it on sleep apnea hoping to ease some of your embarrassment. But do you really have it?

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

Excessively loud snoring
Daytime sleepiness—not just tired
Morning headaches

Causes of Sleep Apnea:

A complete or partial blockage of the throat

Treatment:

CPAP machine- (continuous positive airway pressure) which keeps the airway open through a steady stream of air

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor to be sure. He’ll probably want you in a sleep study but don’t worry—they’re just easy to take home contraptions you wear for a week and ship back. You’ll be glad you did.

Restless Leg Syndrome

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Oh, the torture of restless leg syndrome (RLS). You can even settle in for the night; sure everything will be ok and then—BAM! You’re wildly kicking and distraught.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome:

An irresistible urge to move the legs and other limbs
Occurs mostly in the evening or during periods of rest
RLS sufferers can kick over 100 times a night—every night

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome:

Nobody knows, but it’s thought to be hereditary
Pregnant women can also develop RLS
Certain medications can cause RLS

Treatment:

Exercise—there it is again
Reduction of caffeine and alcohol
Medication for severe cases

Go to your doctor for this one too. All sleep disorders are miserable—this one is your own body throwing you around like a rag doll. Someone can help you.

Other Sleep Disorders You Should Talk to a Doctor About

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If you’re experiencing symptoms of the following, talk to your doctor. Medicine has come a long way, and big advancements have been made in the science of sleep.

Narcolepsy

Being in a state of half-awake and half asleep most of the time. May involve fainting or sleeping spells

Sleepwalking

Walking while sleeping, waking up in a different room—happens most often in children

Sleep Terrors

Screaming, violent bursts of activity during sleep—once fully awake, the sufferer has a hard time calming down

It’s Time to Turn In

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You have all the tools and information you need to get a good night’s rest. What you do from the moment you wake up can influence your sleep that night. It’s worth the time investment. A good sleep routine will add years to your life, keep extra pounds off and stave off illness and disease.

So, put on your comfy PJs, settle into your beautiful bedroom and drift off. With all the hard work you’ve done to make sure you can rest, you deserve a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams…