How Your Mattress Is Made

How your mattress is made determines how you well you are going to sleep on it.  Sleep Well wants to help you find the best mattress for your needs. We aren’t working off a commission so you don’t have to worry about a pushy sales person. Helping you sleep better is our main concern.

What is a Hybrid Mattress?

One of the top questions we get concerns a “type” of a mattress, specifically “What is a Hybrid mattress?”, “Why are hybrids better than a regular mattress?” and most commonly, “How is a hybrid mattress any different from a regular mattress?”.

These questions have straightforward answers, but to be a little less biased and more informed, I researched what the industry leaders say to their questions. As a result, there were some very interesting opinions on the topic.  

What is a Hybrid Mattress?family on a mattress admiring the cool touch to the mattress.

A hybrid mattress was initially meant to describe a spring mattress made by a manufacturing company that constructed mainly all-foam mattresses (with no springs for support). A good example would be Tempurpedic mattresses. Originally an all-foam company, but with their company’s growth, they sought ways to upgrade their products and found that adding springs brought a completely different feel and support to their proprietary foams.  

How is a Hybrid Mattress any different from a Regular Mattress?

Several years ago, the difference between a Hybrid mattress and a Regular Innerspring mattress could be explained as a Hybrid would have more specialty foam in the support layers of the mattress than a regular innerspring. However, technology and trends have made the rule incorrect. Nowadays, both hybrid and traditional mattresses both contain layers of specialty foams in equal amounts.

Why are Hybrids better than regular mattresses?

Initially, because of the changes in manufacturers that had added inner springs to their mattresses and called them by different names, customers were given the impression that they must be better than a regular mattress. However, that was mostly a marketing ploy. Adding springs to an all-foam design did add a different feel, so there was a need for the name Hybrid. However, the expectation of a Hybrid being better was all ploy.  

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably very confused. None of what my research says gives a definitive answer to what a hybrid is a mattress. That’s because there isn’t a difference. Short of calling it only a marketing ploy, I will give you some differences that make sense.

Hybrid mattresses:

  1. Have a smooth top ticking, otherwise known as the cover. Most regular mattresses have a cover with quilting with multiple dimples. These dimples help to tighten the ticking (cover) and add to the firmness or plush feel of the mattress. A Hybrid mattress has a relatively smooth cover and relies on the properties of the foams to add to the feel of the mattress.  
  2. Tend to be plusher than a regular mattress. The firm of a hybrid design would be considered a plush in traditional mattresses by your average customer.   
  3. Are steered towards the contemporary shopper looking for the latest in technology. Since Hybrids are marketed as the “in” thing, they are known for having the newest support. All things being equal, though, you could find the same tech in a regular innerspring mattress, just not as marketed.  

No doubt, from the tone of this article, you can tell that the word Hybrid does not impress the author. 

In truth, it doesn’t. I have done enough research and have dealt with many mattresses, and the differences between a Hybrid and a Regular mattress are nominal at best. I prefer to fit our customers to a mattress that works to support the best and not look for a mattress design over function. Although some customers fit into a hybrid way better than a regular mattress just because they tend to be plusher, we find that out by fitting them to a mattress, not relying on the description. There is one type of customer that will always fit a hybrid better, though, the customer that is ultra-sensitive to feeling the quilting underneath while they lay down. The minute we hear someone say something about the quilting, we must steer them towards a much smoother top of a hybrid.   

If you would like more information on mattresses and mattress construction for further research, here are a few links to other articles you might find helpful:

 

3 Reasons Why Latex is a Better Material for Mattresses

3 Reasons Why Latex is a Better Material for Mattress Construction than Any Other Foam

Durability and Longevity

Latex is a naturally durable material with a long lifespan, making it an excellent choice for mattresses. Unlike memory foam and other synthetic foams, latex does not deteriorate or lose its shape over time. As a result, a latex mattress can provide consistent support and comfort for many years. In the words of one of our mattress manufacturers, latex is a rubber, not a foam.

Improved Breathability

rubber tree with bowl for sap.Latex has an open-cell structure that allows for greater airflow, making it more breathable than other foam materials. This increased breathability can help regulate body temperature, reduce sweating, and promote a more comfortable sleep experience. Heat retention is harder to achieve with a latex mattress due to the properties of latex vs. synthetic foams.

Natural Properties

Latex is a natural material made from rubber trees, making it hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other allergens. This makes it an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Additionally, latex is biodegradable and can be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly option for mattress construction. Synthetic foams are a worldwide issue regarding disposal and the inability to recycle many of those materials.

I hope you see why latex is a much better material for your next mattress. It’s more durable, lasts longer, does not retain heat, and is an excellent option for someone with allergy issues.

As you shop for your next mattress, look for latex materials; you’ll find a great quality mattress that will help you sleep better and longer.

If you would like more information on mattresses and mattress construction for further research, here are a few links to other articles you might find helpful:

Tips for Finding the Right Mattress for a Second Home and/or Cabin

 

The consensus is that a second home or cabin doesn’t require a top-dollar mattress because you don’t necessarily sleep there as often at your primary residence. While this may be true, it’s not necessarily the place to skimp on getting the cheapest mattress.

A lot of times, the “cheapest” mattress out there is a $400 to $600 memory foam mattress that feels just fine at the store or gets star reviews online. There are issues, though, that you, as a buyer, need to be aware of. Here are three points that you should consider when buying your next cabin or second home mattress:

Will your home be heated during the winter?

Most people don’t know, but memory foam can freeze. For example, temperatures of 40 degrees can cause a memory foam mattress to feel more like a door than a plush cloud. This change is because the viscoelastic polyurethane foam is very temperature sensitive and stiffens in cold weather or softens in warm. Have you ever noticed how your body heat softens the mattress while you sleep? The same goes for when it colds colder, only in reverse.

Yes, you get what you pay for in a higher-quality memory foam mattress. The memory foam will harden but soften in warmth over time to return to its original state. The return to its original condition is because higher quality memory foam has added conditioners to ensure the foam doesn’t ruin in this state. In lower-quality memory foam seen in lower dollar value mattresses, you won’t necessarily see a return to the original form of the foam. Instead, the foam stays firm, and in that state, the cell structure between the air bubbles starts to corrode and break. This breakdown causes the mattress to be firmer and develop body impressions quickly due to the materials breaking down.

Are you sleeping in it tonight?

Our customers often come to us because they want a mattress for their cabins tonight. Of course, one would expect that you can buy today and sleep tonight, but often that isn’t the story.

Cheap memory foam off-gasses. Off-gassing is the release of odor from a material that can sometimes cause an allergic response. The mattress world is filled with companies seeking a quick dollar. One of the simplest ways to do this is to build mattresses with cheaper materials, entice a budget-conscious buyer by offering a lower price, and offload a mattress that will not be safe for use for hours and sometimes days due to off-gas of the memory foam. Unfortunately, it happens often, and we’ve helped many customers replace these awful mattresses with better-quality sleep systems.

The chief difference between a reputable brand and a non-reputable brand in the realm of mattresses is that a reputable brand will seek certifications on its foams. Of course, these certifications cost more, but at least you can count on the quality, the longevity, and the fact that they won’t be dangerous to you.

What kind of bed is your mattress going on?

This tip has less to do with the mattress you’re buying and more with the foundation you are setting it on. Often second home and cabin owners are trying to use an old box spring or a sentimental antique bed. They want either the quickest mattress change without any struggle or they have a furniture piece that has sentimental value. However, the foundation you place your new mattress on has a lot to do with the comfort and longevity of the mattress.

We recommend replacing the box spring/foundation of the mattress every time you get a new one. The foundation is the first point in the sleep system that will give way and fail. When the foundation fails, you start seeing body impressions and experience discomfort in your mattress.

Older antique beds require attention too. Our manufacturer recommends, and so do we, that your bed have at least four rail-mounted supports with center legs to hold the weight of the mattress and you during your sleep. Unfortunately, in our experience, most antique beds only have around 2 or 3 center supports. The lack of extra support is insufficient to hold a mattress and keep it from flexing in areas that cause the springs and foams to sag or break down.

Bonus tip – Always use an encasing mattress protector

Using an encasing mattress protector in a cabin or second home is important. There are several reasons. 

One of the main reasons we recommend a full encasement protector for a cabin or summer home is the build-up of dust that happens when someone isn’t caretaking a property daily. Dust build-up on bedding is one thing. You can easily wash and care for bedding. However, dust build-up in a mattress is another thing altogether. It can lead to allergens, dust mites, moldy smells, and sleep loss. A complete encasement protector will seal your mattress nicely and keep all the odors and dust at bay.

Another excellent reason for a full encasement protector is guests. Guests frequent most cabins. Sometimes family asks to borrow the cabin for a weekend, and keys are shared with friends. It’s normal to share a second home. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and damage can occur to your mattress. Also, travelers can share exposure to bed bugs, and trust me, and you don’t want to take that chance. Bed bug infestations are costly in both time and money, and who wants that?  

Hopefully, you’ve found information in this blog article that will help you search for a mattress for your cabin or second home. If it has, would you please share this with others on social media? It helps with growing our business and our brand. We would appreciate it. 

Here are a few other blog articles you might find helpful in your search for your next mattress:

How important are mattress foundations

How can you control the height of your mattress

Finding the right mattress for your sore back

 

How Important are the Mattress Foundations

Why is it important to get new box springs when you buy a new mattress? We get a lot of people asking that question every month. In our company’s case, it’s easy to let people know we include the box springs in our pricing, but there is a genuine reason for getting a new set of foundations/box springs every time you get a new mattress.

You want a new foundation/box spring because the first part of your mattress set to get a body impression is quite often the foundation itself. All that downward pressure that goes into the springs on your mattress begins to break down the foundation and cause the formation of dips that cause body impressions.

You’d think something as simple as a mattress foundation would be an easy, no thinking choice when you buy a mattress, and most companies will send you on your merry way with a standard foundation. However, there are considerations you must think about before you order a standard foundation.

  1. Is a standard 9-inch foundation going to make your bed way too high?
  2. Would it be better to get a lower 4-inch foundation to make getting into bed easier?
  3. What if your bed is already too high, and neither a 9-inch or 4-inch foundation would work? What then?

Buying a mattress isn’t hard if you’re being guided to get the proper back support and accessory items. Asking the right questions isn’t your responsibility in the mattress sales process. Your salesperson should be asking about your needs, the support you need, and what the finished product will look like in your home. Don’t let pushy salespeople get a sale from you when they aren’t even trying to give you the service you deserve.

How to make sure your platform bed isn’t ruining your mattress

MLily Harmony Chill 3.0 available at Live Well Mattress & Furnishing Centres

MLily Harmony Chill 3.0 on a Wooden Platform Base

A lasting furniture trend for bedroom furniture is the platform bed. These beds are trendy because they do not require a bed skirt and eliminate the need for anything extra other than a mattress. This bed style does not need a foundation/box spring to support the mattress.

Malouf Metal Platform Bed Frame

Not all platform beds are created equal, though. It is crucial to inspect the spacing between the slats that supports your mattress. Most platform beds will have a 2-3 inch spacing between the slats. Proper slat spacing allows for the mattress’s springs to be adequately supported.

There are no issues with extra slat spacing on an all-foam mattress, a mattress with no internal springs. However, there will be too much spacing between the slats for proper support of the springs in a spring mattress, leading to body impressions and possible damage to your bed. The issues occur when the slats are 3 to 4 inches apart.

There’s an easy fix to any of your concerns, though. By adding a 2inch Bunkie Board foundation between your mattress and the platform slats, you ensure that your mattress is being supported correctly and not adding any unsightly additional foundation.

Your Mattress was Expensive, Protect It Well

mattress protector is the unsung hero of your sleep. Most people think mattress protectors are still the cheap shower curtain feeling sheets of plastic they slept on in the 80s and 90s, but a lot has changed since then.

Just as mattresses have advanced to help us sleep deeper and support our bodies a lot better, mattress protectors have advanced eons ahead of the old plastic sheeting.

mattress protector saves your bed from spills, leaks, accidents, muddy pet paws, and just about any other stain you can think of. After all, who wants to sleep on a bed that’s got months-old wine/coffee stains on it?

Today’s mattress protectors are made of advanced fabrics that not only keep your mattress stain-free but also kill germs and viruses and keep you cool at night. These fabrics are breathable and sweat-wicking, so you’re no longer sleeping in a pool of your sweat. The best part about today’s mattress protectors is that they are so much better at staying on your mattress. You no longer have to constantly pull your sheets off to put your protector back in place.

Come by one of our Live Well Mattress & Furnishing locations today to see the new mattress protectors yourself. You’ll be happy you did.

Adjusting your Sleep for a Healthy LifeStyle

Having an adjustable base/power base under a mattress was once just reserved for being ill and needing medical attention. Today having an adjustable base is commonplace in many homes.

Woman learning how the functions of an adjustable base work.People have discovered advantages like elevating your head for reading in bed, watching TV, or reducing snoring. An adjustable base is an excellent addition for relieving back issues and achieving a pain-free sleep.

Adding an adjustable base to your current bedroom furniture isn’t an ordeal either. Most beds are easy to fit an adjustable base, a couple of slat removals, and wah-lah, you’ve got an adjustable base in your bedroom.

Newer adjustable base models come with an automatic lift to eliminate snoring, Bluetooth for remote control by using your phone, and lumbar support added for extra comfort. Some newer bases even come with cooling fans to help reduce body heat build-up.

Getting an adjustable base is easy to add better sleep, additional comfort, and pain relief to your life. Give us a call, or drop by to see what an adjustable power base can do for you.

 

Find even more information on adjustable beds in our other articles  – Why Bending Your Mattress Can Change Your Life & Time to Look into an Adjustable Base. Two great articles you might find helpful.

The Importance of Getting a New Box Spring/Foundation – Sleep Coach (ep 20, 2020)