mattress

The Soft vs. Firm Mattress Debate: Finding Peace in the Split

May is Better Sleep Month — a good time to revisit the age-old soft vs. firm mattress dilemma. According to the Better Sleep Council, fifty-one percent of Americans said they prefer a “firm or very firm” mattress while 49 percent like their mattress “soft or very soft.” This means the average couple has about a 50-50 chance of agreeing on mattress preference. When we talk about firm vs. soft, we are really talking about the top layer’s feel of the bed, not the actual support level. Wherever we may fall on the firm/soft preference spectrum, our goal should be a mattress that allows our spine to maintain its natural curve and aligns with our hips, neck and head without any painful pressure points. Where do you fit in? Firm mattress lovers: Sleep experts say you are likely to be a back or stomach sleeper with an average-to-heavy body type. You prefer a flat, even surface and the spinal support it provides. You may struggle with back pain when you sleep on soft mattresses. Soft mattress lovers: You’re probably a side sleeper with a light frame. You like to sink into extra cushioning because a firm mattress creates uncomfortable pressure [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-05-05T08:08:08-04:00May 5, 2022|

Thank you, NASA: The Unusual History of Memory Foam

Are you one of the millions of people who sleep on a mattress made with memory foam? This remarkable invention’s origins can be traced to the space program. Here is the surprising story behind memory foam: It took off because of a NASA mission. Memory foam was the brainchild of Charles Yost, a visionary aeronautical engineer in Asheville, N.C., who helped build a recovery system for the Apollo command module in 1962. Four years later, the NASA contractor was given a new mission: to develop airline seats that offer better impact protection in the event of an accident, as well as enhanced passenger comfort on long flights. Yost, who died in 2005 at the age of 71, created a new type of flexible polyurethane foam material that conformed to whatever shape was pressing against it, returning to its original shape when the pressure was removed, providing an even distribution of body weight. Early on, Yost called this tempur foam, while others referred to it as “slow spring back foam.” Technically, it is viscoelastic foam, but widely referred to as memory foam. I can’t write about memory foam without giving a shout-out to one of our CertiPUR-US® participating foam producers [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-02-05T22:01:51-05:00February 4, 2021|

The Truth About Latex Foam in Mattresses

I field a lot of questions about mattress manufacturers’ and retailers' claims that their product is “all-natural” and “chemical-free.” Recently, a customer was confused about flexible polyurethane foam versus latex mattresses. “Is it true that latex is "chemical-free" and more "natural"? she asked. First, let me clarify that we only certify flexible polyurethane foam, which comprises the far greater share of the bedding market. We do not certify latex foam. However, some of our participating foam producers do produce latex, and there are mattresses sold today that are made with both flexible polyurethane foam and latex foam layers. So, we are not anti-latex -- just anti-misleading claims! It has become increasingly difficult for consumers to navigate through the labyrinth of sometimes inaccurate and exaggerated claims that can be a minefield when shopping for a new mattress. It is our policy to adhere to facts and to abide by the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides. These guides set guidelines for advertisers and were designed to prevent marketers from misleading consumers with hyperbolic and/or unsubstantiated claims. Among the claims we caution our participants not to use are terms like “chemical-free,” and “natural." Be wary of marketers that try to trick you [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-08-19T09:09:13-04:00November 30, 2020|

10 Things You Didn’t Know about Daylight Saving Time

Whether you embrace it or brace for it, Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends for 2020 on Sunday, Nov. 1, when we turn our clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. If we look on the bright side, we gain in sleep what we lose in daylight hours--at least for one luxurious day. The springtime shift is more likely to mess us up—read on for more about that. Here are 10 fun facts that shed some light on why we change our clocks and what really happens when we try to fool Mother Nature. It is actually “Daylight Saving Time” (singular), not “Daylight Savings Time” (plural). Credit for DST is erroneously given to Founding Father and inventor Benjamin Franklin from his essay “An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light” in The Journal of Paris. The actual originator was British-born New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson in 1895, who wanted to gain extra daylight to collect and study bugs. There is no international standard for DST, which is observed by about 70 countries, excluding China and Japan. Many countries near the equator do not adjust their clocks. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform DST throughout [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2020-11-02T09:28:07-05:00October 27, 2020|

Survey Says: Top Ten Reasons People Have Trouble Sleeping

In an independent national consumer survey among mattress shoppers commissioned by the CertiPUR-US® program, we asked, “On nights when you have trouble sleeping, what are the biggest factors?” Quite a few of the things people told us that interfere with their sleep are relatively easy to fix. So, here’s the top ten list and beyond – along with some solutions you can put into play tonight to improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. The top 10 factors that interfere with sleep: Too hot or too cold Uncomfortable mattress Aches and pains General life stress worries Watching TV Snoring partner Too much light in room Tossing and turning partner Checking phone/electronics while in bed Noise from sources you can’t control, such as street noise, neighbors, heating system, etc. But beyond the Top 10 list, there are some interesting insights if you group the answers into categories, as well as several action steps you can take to improve sleep: Find the right temperature. Invest in an electric blanket or fan with a remote control, so you can easily turn it on or off from bed during the night. If your temperature needs differ from your partner, get a [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-08-19T09:10:25-04:00September 30, 2020|

Bravo: Mattress and Furniture Companies Donating Beds, Sewing Face Masks

We all need a little good news right now—like stories of how people and companies are rising to the challenge as we face the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global crisis together. Within our own industry, I’ve been impressed by the generosity and creativity demonstrated by some of our CertiPUR-US® participating companies in mobilizing their manufacturing resources to help meet some of the medical supply challenges. Below are just a few of our heroes—the list is growing. If you are a company tooling up to help, please let us know so we can share your efforts, too. Serta Simmons Bedding, the nation’s largest bedding manufacturer, is donating 10,000 mattresses to New York City hospitals and temporary medical facilities to help meet the need for 140,000 additional hospital beds. It’s also calling on its peers to do the same. Serta Simmons will also use its factories and expansive distribution network to produce up to 20,000 beds per day at the lowest possible cost if needed. The $2 million donation is being facilitated through its relationship with Relief Bed International, a nonprofit that provides beds to impoverished people and disaster victims around the world. Mattress manufacturer Eclipse International is producing an initial batch of [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-25T13:04:32-05:00April 2, 2020|

Every Bed Needs a Cover-Up

When I was shopping for a mattress pad recently, I was struck by the range of choices in coverings. There was everything from basic, waterproof covers to hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, allergen-resistant and bed bug-proof encasements. Then there were foam pads several inches thick. It turns out that each fulfills a different purpose. Here’s a guide: Mattress protectors and pads. If you have a new mattress, you may need only a protective cover or pad that fits snugly over the corners—or is anchored by elastic bands. Most are machine-washable; many are waterproof. Some even expand to fit varying mattress thicknesses. You probably know if your mattress is a king, California king, queen, full or twin, but to find the right size cover, you’ll need to measure the height/depth of your mattress. Encasements. Encasements have six sides to fully enclose a mattress and/or foundation (another word for box spring). They also have a locking zipper—making it impossible for bedbugs, dust mites and other undesirables to get in. Some encasements have padding on top, offering an extra layer of cushioning between you and the mattress. If you’re moving, it’s a good idea to protect your mattress with an encasement. They are often available [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-08-19T09:25:16-04:00October 24, 2019|

5 Ways Adults Can Achieve A Safer Night’s Sleep

There’s a lot of information available about safe sleep for babies—which is so important—but what about safe sleep for the rest of us? After all, when you’re asleep, it’s a potentially vulnerable time. But it turns out there are concrete steps we can take to sleep more safely—and that can help us sleep more soundly. 1. Sleep with your bedroom door closed Sleeping with your bedroom door closed buys you critical time in the event of a fire. Whether from candles, clothes dryers, faulty wiring or countless other causes, many fires start at night while people are sleeping. It’s sobering to know that you are more likely to die in a fire at home, than anywhere else, according to FEMA. Decades ago, you had 17 minutes to get out of your house alive. Today, because of open floor plans and other factors that make residential fires burn faster, you have 3 minutes or less, according to extensive testing by Underwriters Labs. Fortunately, closing your bedroom door each night is a simple, yet little-known measure that can save your life. A regular wooden door is remarkably effective at keeping the heat, smoke and flames at bay, giving you extra time [...]

By Elisabeth Leamy|2022-02-08T14:25:15-05:00September 23, 2019|

7 Eye-Opening Stats for Better Sleep Month 2019

May was established as Better Sleep Month in 1985. In the decades since, study after study has confirmed the importance good sleep plays in good health and feeling good each day. When you think of self-care, getting enough quality sleep is just as important—if not more important—than good nutrition and exercise. In honor of this special month, here are some eye-opening stats about sleep: Roughly 20% of Americans have a sleep disorder—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls insufficient sleep a public heath epidemic. About 87% of high school students in the U.S. are chronically sleep deprived, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Nearly 40% of people unintentionally fell asleep during the day at least once in the preceding month, an American Sleep Association study found. An estimated 100,000 deaths occur each year in U.S. hospitals due to medical errors, reports the National Academy of Medicine. Sleep deprivation has been shown to be a contributing factor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes; 44,000 injuries; and 800 deaths in 2013. The American Psychology Association says sleeping 60 to 90 minutes more each night can improve happiness and health. Insufficient sleep [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-20T13:24:13-04:00May 20, 2019|

Getting Rid of an Old Mattress

How do you get rid of your used mattress? We’ve all seen decaying old mattresses on the side of the road, or thrown down a ravine, or into a creek. Not good! Although landfills are a better choice, dumping fees are often imposed, and, from an environmental standpoint, this isn’t the optimal choice. About 50,000 used mattresses and box springs are carted off daily (yes, daily!) to U.S. landfills, where they can take more than a decade to decompose. It’s also not a good idea to pass along an old mattress to others, particularly children. Hat’s off to the bedding industry and its trade association, the International Sleep Products Association(ISPA), which has worked diligently to find solutions to this problem for decades. Today, its Mattress Recycling Council works closely with local governments, waste management professionals, recyclers, and others to make sure that mattress recycling is accessible and easy to use. Currently, three states have implemented MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress Program – California, Connecticut and Rhode Island – and more than 3 million mattresses have been recycled, diverting more than 25,000 tons of material from landfills. More than 80 percent of the metal, foam, and textiles that comprise your mattress [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2021-12-20T10:57:51-05:00November 6, 2018|

The Sleep Science Paradox

A fascinating, perhaps life-changing, article in the August 2018 issue of National Geographic magazine presents an in-depth account of each sleep stage and its significance. The article makes the case for prioritizing sleep in your daily life, pointing out that sleep can have a profound effect on your productivity and your ability to cope with trauma and ward off disease. Ultimately, sleep affects the overall quality and longevity of your life. Take time to read “While We Sleep, Our Mind Goes on an Amazing Journey.” It’s mind-blowing! The paradox? Just as humans are gaining a deeper understanding about sleep and its critical role in repairing and replenishing our bodies for both mental and physical health, we live in a time when most of us suffer from sleep deprivation. “A full night’s sleep now feels as rare and old-fashioned as a handwritten letter,” notes writer Michael Finkel. “Before the industrial revolution, which brought us alarm clocks and fixed work schedules, we could often counteract insomnia simply by sleeping in. No longer.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 80 million U.S. adults are chronically sleep-deprived, routinely getting less than the recommended minimum of seven hours a [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-25T12:55:45-05:00August 10, 2018|

Bad Back, Bad Mattress?

Research shows that 80 percent of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year, and worldwide back pain is the single leading cause of disability. How much of that is bed-related? It’s hard to confirm, but in a three-month study of 313 patients suffering from lower back pain, the majority reported experiencing less pain—both while lying in bed and long afterward—when they slept on “medium-firm” rather than “firm” mattresses. An old or unsupportive bed can wreak havoc on your sleep—and your body—but there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattresses. What works for one person may not work for another. And, although many people still believe that firm is best, the term applied to bedding is really a holdover from decades ago, when a bed had to very hard to be supportive. However, with advances in technology and sophisticated engineering, mattresses can now have a comfy, softer top layer and still be highly supportive. What’s more, firmness is subjective. One person’s firm might be another person’s medium-firm or soft. That’s why it’s a good idea [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-30T15:49:34-04:00July 17, 2018|

How Long Can You Live Without Sleep?

How long can you live without water? About a week. How long can you live without food? About 40–70 days. How long can you live without sleep? About 11 days—and even then, researchers say during that long a period, you would probably nod off without even knowing it, getting a moment here and there of microsleep. How do we know 11 days is the maximum humans can be sleep deprived and survive? In 1965, Randy Gardner was a high school student in San Diego figuring out what to do for a science fair. He decided to set a world record for going without sleep. He did – and lived to tell the tale. Water. Food. Sleep. This is the triad of what is needed for physical survival. The Better Sleep Council, the group that established Better Sleep Month in 1985, recommends five ways to focus on sleep this month and get a better night’s rest: Avoid eating too much or drinking alcohol before bed. If you eat too much, an active digestion system sabotages sleep. And while wine or a cocktail can seemingly help you fall asleep, sleep experts say it may rob you of the deep quality sleep [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-31T09:58:14-04:00May 3, 2018|

Happy National Sleep Awareness Week

March 11–17, 2018 -- It’s National Sleep Awareness Week! Sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), this special week Is a good time to focus on strategies for getting a better night’s sleep. I believe you need to build a good night’s sleep from the bottom up—starting with what you are sleeping on. Think of your mattress and foundation as sleep equipment. As in any endeavor, the quality of your equipment matters. Tennis pros invest in just the right racket. Golfers on the PGA Tour care deeply about the clubs they use. I don’t recall a NASCAR driver winning a major race in a clunker! According to the Better Sleep Council, if your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s probably time to consider a new one —or at least try some new mattresses to see if they feel more supportive and comfortable than what you are used to sleeping on. With so many manufacturers and retailers today offering mattresses containing CertiPUR-US® certified foam, it's easy to find a mattress (and topper and pillow) that will make you comfortable physically, but also mentally, by giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing more about the products [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-17T13:44:43-05:00March 13, 2018|

Seven Tips for Buying a New Mattress

A mattress is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make—after all, you spend approximately a third of your life in bed. The number of choices can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to lose sleep over it! These seven tips can help: Size matters. If you’re sharing a bed, you should buy at least a queen-size mattress. A healthy person moves 40 to 60 times a night and makes lots of full-body turns. For sound sleep, you need freedom of motion. Test-drive different models. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can easily slip off so you can lie down. Compare a variety of support levels and styles within your budget. Finding a bed that feels right is a personal choice. Look under the hood. Ask the salesperson to show you illustrated or actual “cutaways” of the interior of the different mattresses and foundations. The mechanics of innersprings and foams vary widely, which can greatly affect comfort. Find a reputable dealer. Furniture stores, department stores and sleep specialty shops all sell mattresses. Ask friends and family for referrals. If you don’t feel your salesperson is knowledgeable or helpful, take your business elsewhere. Go for the best value, not [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-24T09:49:57-04:00January 10, 2018|

Lifesaving Tips from Sleep Safety Group

I recently bought a new mattress. A bright yellow card that came with the product and warranty information caught my eye. It was a list of eight tips from the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC), a group devoted to advancing the safety of sleep products that is supported by the mattress industry. I love industry groups like this that are focused on public education. Here is the organization’s “Eight Things You Need to Know About Your Mattress”: Don’t smoke in bed. This is a common cause of fatal bedroom fires. Keep matches and lighters away from children. Playing with fire can be deadly. Using candles in a bedroom is dangerous. Even a small candle can ignite a deadly fire. Keep space heaters far away from beds and any flammable items. Follow all the space heater manufacturer’s instruction and warnings. Don’t run electrical cords under your bed or trap them against a wall. Heat from cords can build up and cause a fire. Avoid placing lamps where they can fall on the bed. Don’t sleep with a baby or let a baby sleep in an adult bed. Babies can suffocate or be strangled if trapped between a mattress and a [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-17T13:52:12-05:00November 1, 2017|

Poor Sleep Can Ruin Relationships

Lack of sleep can hurt your relationships—and your health, according to new research conducted by The Ohio State Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. People who don’t sleep well or don’t get enough sleep tend to be grouchier, moodier and more likely to pick a fight. The study analyzed couples’ behaviors—particularly how they handled disagreements—based on how well they slept. This video provides a short overview of the study results. As Tara Parker-Pope writes in her New York Times Well column, “A large body of research suggests that sleep-deprived people are more unpleasant and even hostile in their social interactions than those who get adequate sleep. People tend to use more negative words when they are sleep deprived than on days when they have had a full night’s sleep. A 2010 survey found that men were more likely to fight with their wives after a night of disturbed sleep. In a 2014 study, couples who reported poor sleep during a two-week period reported more daily marital conflict than those who got better sleep.” In this new study, participants also gave blood samples before and after they fought with their partners. Those who got less sleep and fought more were also [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-17T14:03:05-05:00October 11, 2017|

What is Certified Foam?

Before the establishment of the CertiPUR-US® foam certification program, consumers looking for the comfort of knowing what’s inside the foam in their mattress and upholstered furniture--or rather, what isn’t--had no compass to guide them in the shopping process. CertiPUR-US has demystified a critical aspect of shopping for mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows and upholstered furniture, which typically contain conventional or viscoelastic (memory) flexible polyurethane foam for cushioning. CertiPUR-US-certified foams meet standards for content, emissions and durability, and are analyzed by independent, accredited laboratories. The CertiPUR-US foam certification program, administered by a nonprofit organization, was established in 2008 to combat substandard foams imported from other countries. In some cases, these substandard foams contained substances that had been banned in the U.S. or were listed by chemical watch groups as potentially being harmful. A group of foam manufacturers, in conjunction with environmentalists, academics, industry and consumer groups, and chemists developed a testing, analysis, and certification program specifically for these uses of flexible polyurethane foam. Now considered the industry’s most rigorous certification program for foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture, certified foams are: Made without ozone depleters Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants Made without mercury, lead, and other [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-05-24T09:36:36-04:00August 16, 2017|

Moving? Five Ways Not to Lose Sleep Over It

Planning a move? If so, you’re in good company—nearly 26 million Americans will relocate this summer, often prompted by a school break, a wedding or the prospect of fair weather (or at least no ice and snow). That doesn’t change the reality that moving is one of life’s biggest stressors. Along with the emotional turmoil of saying goodbye to friends, we are disrupting our routines and dealing with countless logistical details. However, you needn’t lose sleep over changing households. Instead, seize the opportunity to sleep better. Moving is an ideal time to rethink what you are sleeping on and make sure it is helping you get those much-needed zzzzzs. Here are five ways to make this part of your transition go smoothly: If you are taking mattresses with you, encase them in plastic to protect them during transport. Most truck rental companies like U-Haul keep protectors in stock for all mattress sizes. Starting fresh? If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Dispose of your old mattress properly. Find tips from the Better Sleep Council here. When mattress shopping, wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can easily slip off and don’t be [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-17T13:56:23-05:00July 13, 2017|

Choosing Baby’s Next Bed

Some kids start climbing out of their cribs early, but my daughters were pretty content to wait until age 3. That’s when we made the transition from crib to twin. My oldest daughter was so reluctant, we put her first big-girl mattress on the floor for a few weeks to smooth the way. Why do we automatically go from cribs to twin-size mattresses? A twin mattress measures 38” x 75” (a twin XL, often used in college dorms or for taller teens is 38” x 80”). A full (sometimes referred to as a double) measures 53” x 75”. Here’s a perhaps heretical idea I came to later in life: If the size of the room permits, I vote for getting kids a full size mattress. “You’re kidding?” I hear parents say when I suggest this, but think about it. Who’s lying in that bed? Think about how often a parent snuggles next to a child to read a bedtime story in a twin bed. It can be a tight squeeze, right? What about those watchful nights when kids have an ear infection or chicken pox or need comfort after a nightmare? Sometimes kids just want to cozy up with [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2019-08-13T15:15:56-04:00May 24, 2017|