Hi Lisa. Top of the line bedding is a poor value. They have too much padding, which contributes greatly to the body impression problem. Being so thick, you’re too far from the support, which in your case is vitally important. Profit margins at wholesale and retail much higher at the top end, which is whay salesmen push them. Everybody makes out like a bandit on those things. Sealy has top line mattresses in their Posturepedic and SpringFree latex lines, they same principle applies to those as well. The models I most often recommend have the best combination of support, comfort and value.
For you, those discs are going to require that you be fairly close to the support. The arthritis requires that you have some softness on the surface. There are a number of mattresses that will suit those needs. The least expensive would be the Sealy Reserve plush. The most expensive would be the Sealy SpringFree Beachside. The Stearns & Foster Chateau Orleans would fall in between.

An air bed mattress, for example, that is not designed to be used on an adjustable base, may not fold or bend in a way that properly distributes air through the bladder system, thus resulting in deflation or over inflated areas.

A foam bed that is constructed of high density foam that is rigid, may completely resist bending or folding at all-in mattresses are regularly used for short term situations such as vacationing, or staying over at your friends house after being kicked out by your girlfriend for forgetting your special day. As a result, they are not necessarily deemed to be the ideal of comfort and health- but in particular cases they certainly do provide a lot of benefit.

College students who are short on cash may choose for air mattresses for an extended duration because they provide good value with a comparatively nice night’s rest. The issue is air mattresses tend to be weak, so while you are tugging it around be careful not to scrape the sides of the air mattress, otherwise it will not remain a bed but rather covers for the ground you will be sleeping on.

Memory foam doesn’t need other bedding accessories like electric blankets. You only need standard sheets.

Wash its cover regularly but never hose down or douse the actual memory foam in water.

Keep tags on, it’s your warranty coverage. Removing it might not qualify you for other services extended by the company who has manufactured your mattress.

It’s common knowledge, memory foam mattresses emit residual odors and have the tendency to off-gas. This isn’t something harmful though and airing it out usually helps with the problem. If you have a brand new memory foam, take the time to air this first before settling in the bedroom.

Memory foam mattresses are sensitive to humidity so during transport the temperature inside the vehicle may have some effect on it. It might be a good idea to let the memory foam settle at room temperature first before prying the mattress out in the open as this may damage it.

Sevylor French Air Mattress

Sevylor is a well-known name for pool mattresses, other inflatables and water sport toys, and their Double-Size French Mattress is one of the company’s fastest sellers. With a width of 56 inches and a 76 inch length, these mattresses are great for two people or just perfect for the lounger who wants a lot of room.

Like most Sevylor water mattresses, the French mattress has an individual pocket design. Over the entire surface of the air bed mattress, water can move freely through 36 individual pockets and openings. The design helps to keep you cool and refreshed in the water while you soak up the rays. You can pick up this deluxe model for as little as $20 at most retailers.

Conversation Lounger by Brookstone

The bonus feature on the Brookstone pool lounger is that it’s convertible, meaning it can become a chair or full lounger depending on your mood. The lounger also lets you hook up to other loungers, anchors or your dock. So, stop floating away and simply hook and hold.

The Conversation Lounger is an air bed mattress, water flotation device and even cup holder. The whole system, including two separate hook and hold loungers, retails for approximately $130.

Foam Floaters from Gail Force Water Sports

Though not really an air bed mattress, water fans will go crazy for the Foam Floater’s leak-free design. Because the product is made from a high-density foam, it can’t leak and is less likely to succumb to sun damage, mildew problems or deflation due to temperature changes. It’s also significantly more compact.

Gail Force Foam Floaters can also be customized with airbrushed designs, printing or colors of your choice, making them the ideal choice for the pool lounger who wants to express a personal style.

Excalibur PR10 Motorized Inflatable Pool Lounger

Tired of having to push yourself to the other side of the pool or your nearby drink cooler? If so, you may want to sink $150 into an Excalibur Motorized Inflatable air bed mattress. Water loungers everywhere will likely enjoy this fun, motor-controlled air mattress.

The Excalibur has a joystick and two separate propellers that run on 12 1.5 volt D Batteries. A down side is that these batteries tend to drain quickly, so it would be worthwhile to purchase rechargeable batteries to meet the need. This model can support up to 250 pounds and also features extra-wide armrests and cup-holders.

From a motorized small water craft to an inexpensive $20 pool lounger, the above four pool mattresses represent some of the best air bed mattress, water inflatable and pool lounger selection available today. If you enjoy the option to relax on water, any of these options will likely meet your need for comfort.

For information on dreamy mattress options, see mattressbedtips.com, a popular site about beds that offer a great night of sleep, such as Tempurpedic beds, the Simmons mattresses, and many more!

The Casa CristinaTM Mattress Collection will be available at Mattress Giant’s 360 retail stores, making it the first bedding retailer of its size to offer the affordably priced mattress line to consumers.

CRISTINA SARALEGUI is a 30-year veteran journalist who is recognized as one of the most influential role models for today’s Hispanic woman. In making the announcement, she said, “It is extremely gratifying that Casa Cristina™ has become a line of home furnishings whose style consumers have embraced and whose quality they trust. So it was natural to partner with Mattress Giant, one of the industry’s largest and most trusted retailers, to bring the Encanto and Esencia mattresses into the marketplace.”

“Like Cristina, Mattress Giant is a trusted partner in helping consumers find high quality, sensible solutions for their lives - and few things are more important than achieving better night’s sleep,” said Terri Stephens, vice president of marketing and advertising for Mattress Giant. “The addition of the Casa CristinaTM line-up represents our deep understanding of the female consumer, her needs and the people and personalities most important in her life.”

Casa Cristina™ mattresses are one of fifteen product categories of Saralegui’s expanding Casa CristinaTM collection which includes furniture, lighting, home accessories, as well as bedding and bath products. The two models currently being sold at Mattress Giant, Encanto and Esencia, are both entirely hypoallergenic, with moisture absorbent and breathable 100% natural cashmere, silk and bamboo coverings. The Esencia mattress cover also contains aloe, which holds antibacterial properties for a more hygienic sleep.

The Casa Cristina™ mattress collection is manufactured by Lady Americana, one of the finest and most important mattress manufacturers in the bedding industry. Esencia and Encanto are part of their Eco-Comfort® initiative which is a green strategy that reflects their commitment to leave the smallest environmental footprint as possible.

About Cristina Saralegui

Twelve–time Emmy® award winning Cristina is one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the Hispanic community. Time Magazine selected her as one of the “25 Most Influential Hispanics in America” and Home Furnishings News (HFN) Magazine named her one of the “50 Most Influential People in Design and Home Furnishings.” Now in its 19th year, “The Cristina Show” is one of the highest-rated programs on Spanish-language television. The show airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. (ET) on Univision Network. Cristina also owns her own production studio – Blue Dolphin Studios – and has a bilingual website, www.cristinaonline.com.

About Mattress Giant

Mattress Giant Corporation, based in Addison, Texas, is one of the fastest growing mattress retailers in the United States. Mattress Giant is experiencing enormous growth due in part to its intense focus and commitment to sales training, customer service, and engaged employees. With 360 locations nationwide, Mattress Giant has positioned itself as the ultimate mattress specialty retailer. Each store offers the greatest selection to consumers through innovative design, pricing, and national brands. More information can be found at the company’s Web site at www.mattressgiant.com.

About Lady Americana

Over the past 25 years, Lady Americana® has evolved into one of the leading mattress manufacturers in the industry. Combining the finest quality foams and fibers, along with the most technologically advanced spring systems, Lady Americana mattresses offer a luxurious night’s rest. Endorsed by the North American Federation of Chiropractic Networks, they are at the forefront of research and development. In a study conducted by Oklahoma State University, their mattresses were scientifically proven to reduce shoulder and back pain, improving sleep quality.

Enter Naturepedic. I had the chance to spend some time investigating organic mattresses and settled on one that I felt is an excellent choice, not only in safety but in performance. Naturepedic provided us with a No Compromise Organic Cotton crib mattress to run through a battery of tests and I am happy to say, they passed every single one. When it arrived I opened it up and was just taken back by how pristinely nice it looked. Seams were all perfect, no nicks or weirdness, and it was smooth and soft without that crinkly PVC feel to it. Definitely a winner of the first impression test.

The Liquid Test: Naturepedic crib mattresses have a food grade polyethylene plastic coating, which is an environmentally friendly material due to it’s non-toxic nature. We dumped leaky sippy cups on this bare mattress and I am thrilled to report that it did not absorb or cause any staining and cleaned up like a dream. A few leaky diaper tests were done as well, thanks to my yet to be potty trained 2 year old and it passed those with flying colors. To add a layer of breathability to it, I have an organic mattress pad and an organic cotton sheet on the mattress for sleeping, but my sippy cup test took place on the bare mattress itself.

The Durability Test: Babies are tiny, so the damage they can do on a mattress is minimal at best, but when your child grows, you really want a mattress that will hold up through their developing years. This was the one area I had concerns, prior to seeing the mattress in person, as to whether it would perform as well as any “top of the line” traditional mattresses.

For the sake of science, my 2 year old still sleeps in a crib. (Yes thats it…science) This means, a 30+ lb boy who jumps up and down like a wild banshee put this thing through the ringer. The older traditional mattress we shunned was starting to take a good beating, and really showed it from all this activity so I was curious as to how Naturepedic would hold up in comparison. We’ve been jumping on it for well over a month or so and I can say with much confidence that this mattress would do great in the long haul. It still looks perfectly new and is unwaivering in the wear and tear department.

The Sound Test: Here is where I was really impressed. Regular mattresses, at least in my experience have this weird crinkly plastic covered noise to them. I always kept them padded and sheeted of course but I could always hear him rustling around in there over the baby monitor. Naturepedic is the exact opposite. In fact, the first time I laid my son on it, it was as if the whole room was quieter. When he rolls around, I don’t hear a thing… except the sweet sound of him breathing. He sleeps a bit more soundly on this mattress than any other we’ve had.

The Overall Impression Test: I really like how this mattress feels… it’s solid and firm but comfortable in all the ways you want it to be. The construction is impeccable, and you can tell right off the bat that this is a serious mattress… not some hippie inspired sack full of hemp and recycled bottles. They take great care with safety standards, adhereing to all Federal laws and requirements. The CPSC recommends infants sleep on a firm, flat surface. Some of the other organic mattresses I’ve looked at have a thicker quilted appearance which could be a drawback if that concerns you. Naturepedic’s mattresses are flat and firm (but not hard) on both sides of the mattress.

Someone questioned me about Flamebreaker™, the non-toxic flame retardant they use to help buy time in house fires. There are, of course mattresses out there with absoloutely zero protection. However, I am 100% comfortable with Flamebreaker™ fire protection system which is based on baking soda and silica bonded to cellulose fiber. It buys time without exposing your child to harmful and potentially airborne chemicals/ Naturepedic’s mattress are without:

NO PBDEs
NO Brominated or Chlorinated Fire Retardants
NO Antimony
NO PAN (polyacrylonitrile)
NO Modacrylic
NO Dimethyl Sulfate
NO Boric Acid
NO Respirable Crystaline Silica
NO Potentially Harmful Chemicals or Allergenic Materials (i.e. Wool)

If that’s not enough, Naurepedic is wildly recognized by a bevy of associations including a certification from GreenGuard, and recommended heartily by our personal favorite organization (and a great resource) Healthy Child Healthy World.

I personally think an choosing an organic mattress is one of the first changes that need to be made, or in the case of expecting parents, should be a serious consideration. I realize, this is not a cheap decision. But the product you are getting is not only much safer for your baby, but it will endure your baby’s growth into a toddler and then some, and perhaps the young life of a second or third child. I’d see it as an investment rather than an expense.

If you aren’t in the position to buy an organic mattress, and let’s face it, not everyone is ready for that, you do have options. Tips when buying a traditional mattress:

* Leave it outside or in a well ventilated area for some time in order to let the materials “off-gas” before baby sleeps on it
* When the mattress doesn’t smell like materials or plastic, it’s ready to be brought back into the house.
* Consider an organic cotton or wool mattress pad to add a layer of breathability and “buffer” between baby and the mattress surface.

Naturepedic’s Organic Cotton mattress has FAR exceeded my expectations and I am completely comfortable recommending them to anyone. My son is getting to the age where he is ready for a bigger bed so when the time comes, and he no longer fits in a toddler bed (which the crib mattress fits as well) I most certainly will be investing in a Naturepedic Twin Mattress for him.

Is this the only option out there? Of course not. But this is one I am very comfortable recommending for both safety, standards and overall product performance. For those looking for other organic bedding items, Naturepedic makes portacrib mattresses, bassinet pads, and changing pads as well.

For a high-level overview of the pros and cons associated with a Select Comfort bed, keep reading.

Pros and Selling Points of the Sleep Number System

The main selling feature for the Select Comfort mattress line is that it allows each individual sleeper to control the firmness level on their own side of the bed. So, instead of compromising on your bed’s softness, you can each have a bed that works for your body.

This unique feature is operated and controlled using a discreet set of remote controls which are tucked behind the bed and can be programmed with specific settings.

Other features include a 30-night trial period, 20-year limited warranty (but, it doesn’t include many parts), digital controls and high-quality fabric materials.

Drawbacks and Complaints

The biggest drawback to the Select Comfort Bed is the “trench” effect created when both sides are inflated to a moderate to full firmness setting. Once the dual air chambers are inflated, a dip is created in the middle of the bed. Many sleepers find themselves rolling into this dip or fighting against it. So, if your spouse and you both prefer a firmer bed, you may be better off simply searching for a quality, traditional mattress that you both like.

The second major con against the Select Comfort bed is the mold problem that has recently developed into a large-scale, class-action lawsuit. Basically, because the Select Comfort Sleep Number system sucks air inside the mattress, it also sucks in atmospheric moisture, allergens and mold spores. These spores then take root inside the mattress, spreading and becoming a major health hazard.

Prices and Models

There are six models of Sleep Number mattresses that range from the Sleep Number 3000 basic model to the deluxe, luxury Sleep Number 9000.

The Sleep Number 9000 can retail for as much as $4700 with full accessories and features, while the Sleep Number 3000 can cost as little as $500 for a twin-sized basic model, placing it among the more affordable mattresses.

Where to Buy

To buy a Select Comfort bed, visit their website for immediate purchasing and financing, or you can go to one of their over 470 retail stores across North America. Should you choose one of their mattresses for the 30-night test, note that payment of all return delivery charges will be yours if you decide not to keep it.

A wonderful alternative to get all the benefits of latex on a budget is the latex “topper”.

A topper is a 2” or 3” thick layer of latex to place on top of your existing mattress. It is important that the topper isn’t use in an attempt to compensate for a mattress that has lost its support or has begun to sag. The best mattress surface for a topper allows the layer of latex to act as a pillowtop, with the mattress supplying the support and firmness for your body. Latex distributes weight and reliefs pressure points as well or better than the best memory foam and provides additional qualities not found in memory foam. Latex is a more durable material and, because the buns are manufactured with a pincushion construction which runs clear through the latex, it is much cooler than memory foam.

Because latex naturally resists mold and mildew and absorbs very little moisture, a layer of latex is wonderful for cribs or infant beds. Latex is also hypo-allergenic, antimicrobial and resists dust mites, simply nature’s finest sleeping surface. The clearest benefit of a latex topper, given the current concerns over toxic fire-retardants in conventional mattresses, is that it provides a layer of safety from toxic off-gassing. However, it’s the feel of latex that sets it apart from all other sleeping surfaces. Latex gently conforms to your bodies nuances as it seems to float you with very little feel for contacting the surface of the mattress.

Because it is so durable, a latex topper can last for many years of use and will out live even the finest high-end conventional inner-spring mattress. It is not unusual for customers to investigate the use an existing topper as a component for use in building a full latex mattress. Remember that latex is a very different material than anything else that is used in mattress construction and can literally be considered as an investment in your long term sleeping comfort. Sears introduced a line of rubber (latex) mattresses called Harvest House in the late 1940s and it is not unusual to find families that have had these mattresses for decades. While the continuous use of a mattress over such a long time period might not be advisable, it certainly points to the durability of latex.

The concept behind a latex topper is very simple, to place 2” or 3” inches of comfortable, safe, non-toxic material between yourself and your existing mattress. A little research on the internet into the current publicity concerning toxic fire-retardant chemicals, used to pass the either the new federal open-flame mattress standards or the previous fire codes, will certainly encourage the use of a topper on your mattress that uses no fire-retardants. Even the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has clearly documented the amounts of these toxic fire-retardants that are absorbed nightly by our bodies through off-gassing or direct contact.

The use of a natural latex topper for your newborns and infants will protect their developing nervous systems, lungs and immune systems from any chemical contact and will reduce exposure to toxic off-gassing. A wonderful crib mattress is easily created by use a 3” or 4” latex toppers by itself, covered with a quality wool moisture pad. Remember, with a latex topper your children will experience the unsurpassed comfort and weight distribution that make latex nature’s finest sleep surface.

Then A2 came along and a friend, Heather, and I were talking about her suspicions that the chemicals in mattresses can cause SIDS. I had heard these suspicions voiced elsewhere and began to be more concerned about the mattresses my girls sleep on. I’m at the point where I need to get another crib mattress and I’d like to get one with less chemicals and without spending a fortune. Most of the organic crib mattresses I’ve seen run about $300 and up and I just can’t fork over that much no matter how much I want to protect my girls.

So, I’m on a mission to learn about what is in mattresses that I want to avoid. I got my start with this article at The Soft Landing blog. It was very a very helpful jumping point into the world of mattress chemicals. PBDEs are the big culprit and they’re everywhere (just about literally). Apparently we all have these chemicals in our bodies due to years of exposure from many household items. CBS reported on this recently. So this finding means that not only are my girls exposed via their mattresses but it started while they were yet being knit together in my womb, lovely. Well, I cannot change that but I can change their mattress.

So the quest continues. It’s rather overwhelming but I have stumbled across a few little lights in the tunnel. The Enviornmental Working Group tells us this:

“New adult and child mattresses, mattress pads, couches, easy chairs, foam pillows (including breastfeeding pillows), and infant sleep positioners do not likely contain PBDEs. However, some manufacturers have proposed to use a different PBDE chemical in these products.”

So, this means there might be more options out there for those of us wishing to be less chemical laden. It does also mean we have more homework to do to figure out who hasn’t just put in a new PBDE.

I have also found that PBDEs reside in dust (and here). Yes, dust. I have lots of that around my home but I can do something about that. I can get out the vacuum and the dust rag. It’ll take more effort on my part but it’s just me against me, not me against the chemical industry.

Well, all this information is great but I’m still spending $300 for a mattress, or am I? Quite possibly the brightest light I found was this from the EWG site:

“The following manufacturers have taken steps to phase-out all PBDEs from their products - IKEA”

Yes folks, Ikea. The wonderful place for design and budgets. Surely I can find a cheaper mattress at Ikea. I’m thinking of getting the Sultan Blunda for about $40. There is one a step up which is probably better but it’s not available for shipping.