iMattress Blog

Archive for August, 2008

Here are some tips for those wanting to know how to build your own mattress using toppers matched with some base foam from retail websites like Rocky Mountain Mattress. You can see from the image below there are many different foam options which allow you to create a mattress that is as soft or firm as you like:

This is great news for people who have trouble finding a mattress that suits their needs. Most “do it yourself mattresses” are made from foam, which means you will have to choose between a natural latex or memory foam.

There are several online companies that can help you to custom build your own mattress. This can be a really good choice if you want to  specify the material used to build a mattress. You can order different pieces of polyurethane “base foams”, natural latex and memory foam toppers so that you can build your mattress from scratch.

A post at The Nobot outlines exactly how they built a mattress. In this example, there were four main layers used.  First, a 4.3 pound memory foam topper in queen size. Next, a queen size 5.3 pound mattress memory foam topper. The third layer was comprised of  convoluted foam or eggcrate. The bottom layer was made out of a high resiliency base foam. Of course, you will need a zippered cover. The last step is to simply stack the foams in the desired order, zip them up inside the mattress cover, and lay the mattress on your bed platform. You won’t even need to glue the layers down because of the texture of the foam.

For most variations, you should be able to buy all of the components needed for an 8-12″ Queen size mattress for less than $1000 (to order and ship the foam). Not only can you save money, but you significantly increase your flexibility down the road.  For instance, if 5-7 years down the road the top piece of foam seems to be sagging you can simply replace that layer without replacing the entire mattress!

Here’s what The Nobot said about making his mattress: “The cool thing about making your own mattress is that you can really customize the density of the foam according to what you like. I picked a medium density top layer for the “cozy factor”, and a higher density second layer for support. The eggcrate provides a breathing channel to help maintain a good temperature. The bottom layer is just to prevent the mattress from “bottoming out” in case you decide to do pushups on it or something (your fists would fully compress the memory foam and touch the bed frame without the thick, firm layer underneath).”

As you can see, it is fairly easy to make your own mattress. You can choose the materials you want and select the desired firmness and support level. So, decide what you want, research where to get it and you will be sleeping on your own “do it yourself mattress” in no time.

How often do you fall asleep at work and would a new mattress help?

How often do you fall asleep at work? Have you ever sat in that board meeting and been bored out of your mind? There have been several times when my husband has called me and told me that he had just fallen asleep at work. He commutes to work and sits in front of a computer all day, so I can only imagine how tired he must get at work. If you have ever fallen asleep at your desk or in your cubicle, it may be time to re-examine your sleep habits.

1. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you making sure you get the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night? If not, try going to bed earlier so you can get the sleep your body needs.

2. Do you go to bed around the same time every night? Your parents tried teaching you this important principle when you were younger. You probably had a set bed time, right? Your parents did this for a reason. Your body gets into different routines. Bedtime is one of these routines. You need to go to bed around the same time each night so your body can adjust and make the most out of it’s sleep time.

3. Do you need a new mattress? Have you been sleeping on the same mattress for 10 years? 15 years? 20 years or more? If so, it is time to get a new mattress. Not only is your mattress probably worn out, but your body has shifted sleeping patterns. As you get older, your body requires more support and comfort. Spend a few extra dollars and make sure you get the sleep you deserve.

Stop falling asleep at work and make the most out of your work day. Examine your bedtime routine and make necessary changes. It may be time to get a new mattress (especially if you are sleeping on the same mattress from college). Set the stage for the perfect nights sleep. You’ll be glad you did (your boss will appreciate it too).

Have you ever wondered how your mattress is made or exactly how long it takes to build each mattress from scratch? Mattresses used to be filled with straw or feathers. Today, mattresses are filled with a variety of other products. They can be filled with air, memory foam, water, natural fibers, latex, viscoelastics, or polyurethane foams. Each type of mattress takes a different amount of time to build.

Most mattresses now are mass produced in large factories. These mattresses do not require as much time to build. However, the Amish people continue to make their mattresses from scratch. Although these mattresses take longer to make, they remain sturdy. A typical Amish mattress is about 7.5 inches thick with a 6 inch latex core. The core is wrapped in a hand quilted cover. Amazingly, these mattresses can also be naturally mold-resistance, mildew-resistant, anti-microbial. They are also dust mite resistant and can last up to 30 years.

Latex mattress are also made in an interesting way. These beds are made of a milky rubber liquid. The liquid is whipped and thoroughly heated to form a foam like material. The hot liquid is poured into a mold to cool and then rods are inserted through the material. A vacuum is then used to remove air bubbles and to distribute the material through the mold better. CO2 is then used to freeze the rubber foam. This helps to make the consistency permanent.

As you can see, there are different steps involved in making different mattresses. Amish mattresses take longer to make because everything is done by hand. Latex and foam mattresses do not take as long to make because the mattresses is made by machine. However, every mattress takes a certain amount of time to make because of the different steps in the process.