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Memory Foam- Choosing Sleep over Sex?

17 May 2012, 10:40 am

Memory Foam mattresses: Sleep over Sex?-

Memory foam mattresses have increased dramatically in popularity in the last decade.  In the last eight years alone the market share of memory foam mattresses has increased from 14% to 20% of the American mattress market.  This represents the fastest growing segment in the $4.6 Billion US wholesale mattress market.

Americans, especially Baby Boomers, have been embracing the Memory Foam mattresses as a way to improve their sleep experience, but at what cost to our, ahem, sex lives?

What is Memory Foam-

Memory Foam, developed by NASA in 1966, is a dense material filled with tiny air cells that compress and soften when pressure and heat are applied (via a body lying on top of it).  It is denser and more responsive to a body heat than standard mattress foam.  Cells closer to the body release air, allowing the memory foam to mold to the bodies shape to provide better support and a more relaxing sleep experience.

Sleep vs. Sex-

memory foam mattresses sleep or sex

Have Memory Foam mattresses driven sex from the bedroom?

So, sleeping on memory foam is supposed to feel like you are floating on the mattress, sinking in to it, with fewer pressure points that cause tossing and turning.  Memory foam molds to the body, evenly distributing your body weight.  Memory has been used widely for medical patients with sore necks and back pain.  As the Baby Boomers age and seek a better nights sleep, the number of Memory Foam mattresses bought has climbed steadily.

Sex on a memory foam mattress is a different matter it would seem.  Apparently Good Sleep = Bad Sex.  While a memory foam mattress provides support during sleep, it gives very little ‘traction’ during sex.  Gripes found on blog posts include:

  • No traction for knees and feet
  • Bottom person sinking in to the bed
  • Difficulty in changing positions
  • Difficulty in developing a ‘rhythm’

A traditional coil mattress provides more ‘bounce’, you can develop and maintain a better rhythm, change positions easier, gain traction, and basically have an easier sexual experience than on a memory foam mattress.

Sleep Like the Dead has done research on mattress types and sexual compatibility and found that 40% of Memory Foam mattress owners say sex is less than ideal, but, that 80% of memory foam mattress owners are satisfied with the sleep they get- the highest rate of satisfaction of any mattress segment on the market.

Baby Boomers buying Memory Foam-

People are working like crazy these days, and as the Baby Boomers age they are worried about getting enough sleep.  Additionally they are showing less interest in sex than prior generations.

  • Of Adults 45 and over, only 28% have sex once or more per week
  • Only 43% are satisfied with their sex lives (down from 51% in 200$)

As the popularity and market share of Memory Foam mattresses increases, it appears that people are in fact choosing sleep over sex-

Filed under Health, Memory Foam, Sex, sleep. Tagged , ,
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Cleaning your Mattress

5 May 2012, 9:14 am

Cleaning your mattress-

Mattress cleaning, how often is best when it comes to cleaning your mattress and bedding?  The sad fact is that our sheets and mattress are collection grounds for microorganisms and other unsavory things.  These little buggers aren’t harmful to most of us, but still, cleaning your mattress and bedding should be a regular occurrence.

cleaning your mattress controls what lurks inside

Cleaning your mattress helps control a number of issues

Washing your Sheets-

Once a week is generally considered the optimum frequency for washing your sheets to keep them free of dust mites and other debris that has collected during the week.  ‘Other debris’ includes dead skin cells, lit, fibers, insect parts, animal hair, cosmetics and more.  When you are in bed, the stuff that is attached to you falls off.

It is best to wash and dry your sheets on warm to hot cycles to better ensure you are killing as many of the dust mites, germs, and other critters as possible.

A nice all-purpose freshening tip is to place a few dryer sheets on the mattress before putting the bed cover and sheets back in place.

Vacuum your Mattress-

Cleaning your mattress should include vacuuming your mattress at least every month or two.  Dust mites typically collect on the bed where they feed off dead skin cells that fall off your body.  Dust Mites can produce allergens that can cause a stuffy nose and sneezing.

Take the linens and mattress cover from your mattress and vacuum the entire mattress, focusing especially on the cracks and areas that may hide dust mites.

Bed Frames-

Dust mites may hide in your bed frame as well.  While you are cleaning your mattress is a great time to clean the frame.  Using a regular household cleaning solution, or one you can make of your own (one part rubbing alcohol to one part water) and spraying or rubbing it directly on the frame is recommended.

Other Mattress Cleaning tips-

  • It is suggested as part of a comprehensive mattress care program that you flip your mattress every 6 months
  • If the mattress becomes soiled or dirty, use an upholstery shampoo
  • For more serious issues like vomit, urine and mildew- you should consult a professional

Your bed is where you spend a lot of time, cleaning your mattress and sheets should be a regular occurrence.  Not just for cleanliness and health sake, but also to increase the life of your mattress.

Filed under Health, mattress care. Tagged , ,
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Time for a new mattress?

21 April 2012, 8:57 am

When is it time for a new mattress?

When is it time for a new mattress?  Most mattresses come with warranties that cover them in some capacity for 10 to 20 years.  But how long does a mattress actually last and what are some of the signs that you may be in the market for a new mattress, whether you know it or not-

new mattress time

Sleeping poorly? May be new mattress time

New mattress tip off signs-

Mattress is more than 8 years old- as noted, most mattresses have a 10 to 20 year warranty, but do they really remain useful that long?  It may be time for a new mattress if your mattress 8 or 10 years old and exhibiting some of these other symptoms.

Aches and body pains after a night of sleep- We sleep to get rest, if you are not getting adequate rest, what’s the point.  Do you wake in the morning feeling more tired than when you went to bed?  Are you consistently sore or achy?  You probably need a new mattress.

Indentations, dents and saggy areas- Your mattress should provide a comfortable and supportive resting surface.  You should not see indentations or saggy areas.

It’s uncomfortable- Do you toss and turn at night?  This is often the result of pressure points.  Are you too hot or cold when you are sleeping?  These are symptoms that you probably do not have the best mattress for your specific sleeping needs.  Consider looking for a new mattress, and perhaps mattress type, to get a better nights sleep.

Your mattress sounds bad- Your mattress should not sound like an old car, squeaking and bumping and creaking.  This could be a sign something is wrong inside or that it is just wearing out (refer back to #1- the age of your mattress).  Probably time for a new mattress.

The mattress is not big enough- Did you get your current mattress when you were single?  Are you now married?  You need to consider the number and size of the people sleeping on a mattress- an old double may not do the job- could be time for a Queen or King size.

We spend a third of our life in bed, and the quality of your sleep has a direct impact on the quality of your life.  A mattress is an investment.  First, you need to get the best mattress for you.  Second, if it is no longer doing the job, it’s time to invest in a new mattress.   You deserve to be getting the best nights sleep possible.

Filed under mattress care, new mattress, shopping. Tagged , ,
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