Sleep – Page 10 – BrandSource Canada Blog

April 25, 2018

How to Wash Duvets and Comforters

Although duvets and comforters are both the last covering we place on our bed, there are distinct differences between the two, namely their fabrication, filling and care.

Follow me as I go through some of their differences and explain how to wash duvets and comforters.

Duvets

What is a Duvet?

Duvets are essentially bags filled with down, feathers or polyester fibres for a lofty soft comfort that sits gently on the top of your mattress. Their pocket stitched design promotes warmth in the winter and coolness during the summer.

They are stuffed into a fashionably designed bag, or duvet cover with a zippered or buttoned closure, and may have matching shams and decorative cushions. The overhang off the edges is minimal, so a bed-skirt to cover the base mattress is suggested.

How to Wash Duvets

Unless the manufacturer’s label states otherwise, washing duvets can be done in a standard washing machine, unless it is polyester-filled which may require industrial-sized-washers and dryers. Synthetic fibres do not flatten, as natural fibres do, so their volume remains the same requiring more room to agitate.

A small amount of gentle soap in the gentle cycle every season will be enough to restore its freshness and extend the life of your duvet. An extra cold-water rinse will help remove any soap residue. If there is any yellowing of the fabric, consider adding 1 cup of peroxide and ½ cup of white vinegar to your detergent, which will restore the whiteness.

Your duvet and cushion covers can be easily washed weekly along with your bed sheets. It all depends on how many sticky fingers or soiled paws come to rest on your bed. Throwing in a couple of tennis balls into the dryer on the low temperature setting will prevent clumping of the filling and help with the tumbling.

Make certain that the filling is completely dry before throwing it onto your bed to prevent mould. It may require a couple of hours. Once dry, a good shake to fluff up the pockets of filling will restore that soft lofty look that is customary on a duvet-covered bed.

Comforters

What is a Comforter?

Comforters have less filling, have an intricate stitched design throughout and typically hang to the floor. They are generally sold in the bed-in-a-bag concept where a complete set of matching items like shams, cushions, and sometimes even curtains are included. In many cases, these are mostly decorative and removed completely at bedtime while a blanket for warmth and comfort lies underneath it.

In many instances they have a usable reversible side, which can extend its washing cycle if it is soiled. Nevertheless, washing them regularly is still the best way to keep allergens at bay, and stains from forming when there are spills, sticky fingers, or muddy paws about. As with duvets, giving them a good wash every season is ideal.

How to Wash Comforters

Washing your comforter may not be very easy in your standard washer as most are polyester filled and as mentioned above, the fibres don’t flatten and require more space. Besides, they are much larger by design. Most of the cushions that come with the set have removable cases, but those that don’t can also be thrown in the wash in a standard machine depending on their size.

Following any specific manufacturer’s washing instructions, using a small amount of gentle soap in the gentle cycle will do the job. Any stains can be spot-treated beforehand. Although not as lofty as a duvet, there is some fluffing to do to get all the fibres back in their place. Using tennis balls in the dryer will restore your comforter back to its original state.

Whether you prefer duvets or comforters, keeping them clean and allergen-free for your comfortable sleeping experience is essential. Make it a seasonal thing!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

April 19, 2018

What Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Made of?

When you lay on a Tempur-Pedic Mattress, it feels like nothing you’ve ever laid on before. It feels like memory foam, but Tempur-Pedic beds are made of something a bit different: Tempur material.

Originally, Tempur was being used by NASA when developing material for aircraft seats that would ensure the passengers’ safety in case of an accident. Because tempur material distributes weight and pressure evenly, this material was ideal for lift-off. Through this usage, it was quickly realized how great Tempur material was for more than just a safety net and that it could be used for fantastic support while sleeping.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses are not similar to other memory foam mattresses, Tempur-Pedic uses their patented Tempur material. Learn more about Tempur material functions to see why Tempur-Pedic Mattress beds are ranked number 1 in consumer satisfaction.

What It Is and What It Does

You understand that Tempur is a material, but what makes it different from another kind of memory foam? The difference is in the unique formula created at the company’s production facility that only a handful of individuals know.

What we do know is that it’s an open-celled viscoelastic material that conforms to every curve of the sleeper’s body, evenly distributing weight, and supporting the spine. Sleep scientists and engineers have designed Tempur to conform and adapt to your shape so that when you lay down, you feel as though you’re weightless.

Variety

Tempur-Pedic is a brand that provides a variety of mattresses so that people with different preferences can get what they want. The TEMPUR-Contour, TEMPUR-Finesse, and TEMPUR-Cloud all give different levels of firmness ensuring everyone gets the mattress that suits their comfort needs.

Tempur Material doesn’t stop at mattresses – there are pillows, mattress toppers, travel items, and more that uses this powerful technology.

Touch and test it out for yourself at your local Tempur-Pedic Mattress store to get an idea of what this magic material feels like. If you end up liking it, check out the lifestyle Power Base that goes under the mattress and gives you the control to numerous ergonomic sleeping positions.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 12, 2018

Your New Mattress Can Help Improve Your Sleep Disorder

Endless nights of tossing and turning, or perhaps excessive snoring and getting up in the morning like you had no rest at all, can signal a sleep disorder. There could be many reasons for poor sleep quality like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia.

Hereditary or physical factors can play a role in sleep disorders, as can environmental issues. Poor sleep quality must be investigated at the onset because your overall physical, mental and emotional health will be negatively impacted.

Sleep Changes Over Time

The mechanics of sleeping is not obvious at times. Your body changes over time and so do your sleep needs. I remember using my favourite pillow for years very comfortably until that changed. Then, I suddenly felt that the extra firm mattress type I had loved over the years was not so comfortable anymore. As we age, our body shape changes. Additionally, some of us might be suffering from sports or other injuries, develop arthritis in our hips, knees, shoulders, or neck making it sometimes difficult to sleep.

When I realized that despite my efforts to manage the pain from my changing body, I was still not getting the proper sleep and that only made my symptoms worse. I made a checklist of everything I was doing, and it finally dawned on me that I always felt worse in the morning. My neck would be very stiff, my shoulders sore and tender, and my hips burning with pain and inflammation. I often wondered if I ran marathons in my sleep.

Finding the Culprit

Further investigations proved that my extra firm mattress, although only a few years old was not helping my symptoms. Furthermore, my pillow was no longer giving me the support my neck, head and shoulders now needed with all those sore areas from years of playing tennis!

In some cases, you should always look for sagging areas on your mattress as these will certainly cause more aches and pains. When our body is not properly supported while we sleep, even if you are the best physical shape, your body will let you know.

Symptoms of not sleeping on a properly supportive mattress will include body pains that will cause insomnia as we toss and turn to find the best spot, as well as snoring and sleep apnea if our neck and upper body is not comfortably cradled. Sleep apnea, however, may require further intervention when not resolved with a new mattress and pillow.

Poor quality sleep will add to our stress levels and the cycle begins, so before you throw out your exercise routine or other healthy habits you think are not working on your sleep issues, consider updating your mattress and pillow to something your body needs! It has been a game-changer for me as I educated myself on what my body needs to get the best sleep, and found the mattress and pillow that have alleviated many of my sleep issues. Get some mattress shopping therapy!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 11, 2018

Why Buy an Adjustable Base?

Adjustable beds weren’t just made for hospital patients. They were made for anyone who wanted the controls to a healthier lifestyle. From increasing circulation and oxygen levels to positioning your body in a specific manner for injury purposes, Sealy Adjustable Bases were built so that sleeping could be made better.

Instead of placing numerous pillows under your feet to raise your legs, you can push a button to elevate it. You can even change the setting to both sides of the bed so both you and your partner can sleep the way you want.

Learn more about Sealy Power Bases and why this is one bandwagon you’ll want to jump on!

Combatting Injuries and Illnesses

Like I said before, adjustable beds weren’t just made for hospital patients, but they do aid health and healing. Fowler’s position, a 45-65 degree sitting-position, was created for hospital patients to improve and assist breathing after surgery or even childbirth. With a Sealy Base, Fowler’s position is easily achieved.

With the chest and head elevated, acid reflux and heartburn are also less likely to occur. If you happen to suffer from circulation or swelling issues, elevation can help alleviate the problem as well. Having an adjustable base can be an instrumental part of your life especially during recovery.

Customize for Couples

Sharing a bed isn’t always easy if you both prefer to sleep in uniquely separate ways. One person may try to steal all the pillows in order to get enough neck support while propped up, while the other just wants to sleep with their legs slightly elevated.

A Sealy Tuxedo Adjustable Base splits down the middle allowing each person to experience different ergonomic positions, without using any pillows at all. Both people can control their bed’s side and even save certain positions to their favourites all with a wireless remote.

Having an adjustable base can help relieve back pain, assist with circulation, and improve your breathing. So, while you may not need a Sealy Tuxedo Adjustable Base, your body will only progress with one. Give your body the ergonomic support it wants with an adjustable bed base from our mattress department.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 11, 2018

Sleep Better by Keeping These Out of Your Beautyrest Mattress Bed

The way we sleep affects our entire life. If you’re well rested, you generally have more energy and brain power. If you sleep bad, your health starts to suffer. Sometimes the only changes that need to be made are minor and come from your nighttime routine. Simply removing electronic devices from arms reach could be exactly what you need to help you fall into a deep slumber. Try keeping these things out of your bed to minimize your distraction and help you get some shut-eye!

1. Phones, tablets, computers, and all other electronic devices

Electronics can keep you awake forever, it would seem. If you aren’t looking at a computer all day for work, you’re looking at your cell phone throughout the day, and then you’re watching television at the end of the day. Your brain could use a rest, but it’s difficult with so much information being thrown its way. Do yourself a favour and turn the tv off while you’re in bed, and put your electronic devices away in a drawer. If you need to be working on something, don’t bring it to your bed. It’s important that there is a line between where you sleep and where you work.

2. Your Pet

If you’re someone who likes to have your furry friend sleep next to you while in bed, you’re not going to like what I have to say. Unfortunately, while sleeping with your pet can be cute, it can also be the reason why you’re waking up off and on throughout the night. Not to mention, they can bring in dirt, pollen, and other allergens, that could flare up an allergy. Try finding another place, that isn’t your bed, so you can cuddle.

3. Food

Eating in bed is a solid no. There is a good chance that even though you’re the most careful person in the world while eating on your mattress, you’ll still spill a few crumbs here and there. Crumbs bring bugs, and bugs are gross. Leave the food in the kitchen and continue to keep your sheets clean so you don’t have to deal with nighttime creepy crawlies.

If you have a healthy bedtime routine, your lack of sleep could all come down to your mattress. Find yourself a Beautyrest Mattress at your local BrandSource Beautyrest Mattress store that won’t disturb your precious sleep!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 10, 2018

Why Adjustable Beds Help Improve a Couple’s Sleep Experience

Mattresses have come a long way over the decades and despite the best technology, when a couple sleeps on the very finest their money can buy, one won’t enjoy it as much as the other one will. Let me explain.

Everyone has very unique sleeping preferences that include soft to ultra firm, lumbar support, and snoring relief. Perhaps you enjoy a warm cozy feel while your partner prefers it cool. The best solution then is to sleep on separate beds! Not quite! Enter the adjustable mattresses placed on separate foundations over a common frame!

A Custom Fit for Your Sleep

Adjustable mattresses have gone through many changes over the years and today we can enjoy a custom fit separate from our partner but retaining the closeness we desire. My wife and I experience has been unexpectedly one of pure delight.

We always took our sleep preferences very seriously when purchasing a mattress because our health depended on it! We never cut corners and looked at what was new in technology, in foam for comfort, and support that we both needed. There was, however, some compromise to be made… Until we took the plunge into an adjustable mattress. Our sleep experience is so much more elevated than ever before because now, we each have our own piece of sleep heaven.

Two Twins Become King

Keeping our same bedroom furniture and our king-sized frame, we each got our own Twin XL adjustable foundations and mattresses in the comfort and support levels we independently needed and desired.

The separate foundations are designed to clip in strategic places to keep the two beds together. Additionally, strong metal risers on the foot and outer sides of each foundation keep the mattresses from sliding off when adjusting.

Other than purchasing new bed linen for the Twin XL and recycling our regular mattress sheets, our bed looks the same once the comforter and shams are in place. The secret lies underneath!

Elevating for Pain Relief

Now, more than ever before, when my arthritic knees from sports related injuries act up, a quick push of a button on my remote that comes with each adjustable mattress, will find the comfort level I need for relief. Raising the mattress under my knees, when I would typically pile on pillows, supports my knees perfectly. When my partner is having sinus and snoring issues due to allergies or overwork, while my knees are happy in my preferred position, she adjusts her mattress to raise her upper body to that perfect elevation.

Our preferences will change regularly, but the adjustable mattress will always be ready to bend to our every desire and need. To be able to do that without compromise and without affecting each other’s comfort level is truly a gift we enjoy every night.

We always believed that we enjoyed a good night’s sleep with the standard mattress that met most of our needs, but purchasing the adjustable mattress has become a game-changer. Our sleep experience has definitely been elevated to heights we never imagined, and we are grateful to enjoy it.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

March 25, 2018

What Not to Do with Your Tempur-Pedic Mattress

If you are a first-time owner of a Tempur-Pedic mattress, you understand how life changing it really is. Sleeping is better, your mental health is better, and your body is probably more relaxed than it’s been in years. Basically, sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic mattress is much different than any other mattress you’ve probably slept on in your life so you will understand that the care for it is different as well. Take these tips into account when taking care of your new Tempur-Pedic bed so that yours can live a long and robust life.

Don’t Rotate

Most beds need a good flip and a rotation every couple of months to not get soft in spots, increase the mattresses lifespan, and ensure your spine is aligned and not sinking in due to continuous use. Your Tempur-Pedic mattress is firm and meant to stay exactly the way you bought it. Forget rotating with these mattresses. Tempur-Pedic doesn’t easily change shape and will be able to handle a lot of use for several years.

Don’t Drink on the Bed

We can’t tell you what to do, but we can at least warn you. Bringing liquid on your bed is fine, but spilling it on your Tempur-Pedic Hybrid Mattress or any other Tempur-Pedic mattress, can be ultimately damaging to the foam. Fluids and Tempur-Pedic don’t go well together so in order to maintain the bed’s durability, you will want to prevent accidents from occurring. Although if one does happen, you can act quickly and absorb the liquid with a clean cloth.

Don’t Purchase Just Any Mattress Cover

With Tempur-Pedic beds, you will need a mattress cover. Obviously, one would be helpful in the incident a spill were to occur. If you are interested in getting a mattress cover, talk with a sales associate at your local BrandSource store carrying Tempur-Pedic Mattresses to find out what mattress cover works well with a Tempur-Pedic mattress.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

March 25, 2018

Monitor Your Z’s with the Beautyrest Sleeptracker

We are lucky to live in a time where advanced technology, such as monitoring health and nutrition with wearables, has become just a normal idea. You don’t even have to be conscious to track your health’s progress these days! Beautyrest Mattresses are now smarter than ever and tracking your health with its Beautyrest Sleeptracker while you are sailing away to dreamland is so easy!

Smart Sleep

Monitoring your sleep is extremely easy. By simply placing one of the Beautyrest Sleeptracker devices under your mattress bed, it will instantly be ready to accurately track all of your body’s movements. All you need to do is go to bed, wake up and voila! Information from the Beautyrest Sleeptracker app will be at your fingertips.

There is no need to wear anything such as a watch – simply being on your bed is enough for the sensors! Once you have laid down, your heart and breathing rates, REM sleep, and body motion are precisely monitored. It can even identify the second person in your bed and not get you two confused.

Why This Is Good for You

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. With a system that provides total body analyzing when asleep, there should never be a reason a sleep issue goes undetected.

For example, the Beautyrest Sleeptracker allows you to receive reports from your “sleep coach” informing you of your sleep efficiency so that you are always aware of improvements or setbacks with your sleep habits. The sooner a problem is brought to your attention by the Beautyrest Sleeptracker, the sooner you can resolve it.

Choose to Give Yourself a Better Life

The BeautyRest Sleeptracker gives you a chance to better your life with its reporting. This mattress gives you the opportunity to improve your sleep so that your mental and physical well-being are at their very best.

If you are looking for something to monitor your sleep and don’t know what to choose, discuss with someone at your local BrandSource retailer carrying Beautyrest mattresses to learn more about the benefits of the Beautyrest Sleeptracker.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

March 25, 2018

How Bad Sleep and Weight Gain Go Hand in Hand

According to a study presented at the Endocrine Society National meeting, getting 30 minutes of sleep less than you should every day can be the reason you’ve gained a few extra pounds. It’s hard to get the perfect amount of sleep, but it’s important to try and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night otherwise you can find yourself not having the energy to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Hormones and Food

Sleep deprivation is a vicious thing. If you miss out on it, your stress hormone levels rise, which usually increase your appetite. While we wish that meant we were hungry for some greens, unfortunately the stress causes your body to want to produce serotonin (the happy hormone) and the easiest way to get that is by eating something sweet and fattening. Not to mention, your lack of sleep makes it difficult to digest these sugars. We told you, sleep deprivation is a vicious thing.

Weight Gain Isn’t the Only Issue

Sleep pretty much affects every system in your body. If you lack the proper rest, your body begins to physically show signs in hopes you might get a hint (dark eye circles, etc.). If you don’t see it physically, you will sure notice it in other ways. Little sleep can result in low cognitive functioning, reaction time, and even memory.

Living Batteries

Think of humans as phones. They need time to charge so they can be their very best. Have you ever used a phone on 5%? The phone darkens, it works slower, and won’t allow you certain abilities such as taking photos. If it doesn’t get to a charger it’s going to crash hard. Not unlike people at all.

Sleep Better

Sometimes the right bed can make all the difference in your sleep cycle. Try out Tempur-Pedic mattresses at your local BrandSource mattress store to help end your sleep deprivation ASAP!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

March 25, 2018

4 Tips for Keeping Your Mattress in Decent Shape

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Mattresses are not cheap. It’s not for a bad reason, either.

Beautyrest Mattresses are made with materials that aim to support, comfort, and contour your body so you can sleep well to live a healthy life. Science and creativity went hand in hand to design and build your rectangular sleep haven, and every bit of it is worth every bit of money you need to put into one.

With that said, once you’ve bought one, it’s your responsibility to take care of it, just like it’s working to take care of you. Give your mattress the love it deserves by trying out some of these tips.

1. Just like your back, your mattress needs good support

What does your mattress sleep on? Do you place it on a box spring? A bedframe? Do you just place it on the floor? Many people don’t realize this, but what your mattress lays on is crucial to its health. Depending on whether your mattress is a spring mattress, memory foam, powerbase, adjustable bases or another specialty mattress, will help you figure out what kind of support it needs. Getting the right support for your current mattress will make a dramatic difference in its life expectancy.

2. Mattress protectors will shield your mattress

It’s simple, but it works. A mattress protector will prevent stains, spills, allergens, sweat, and more from getting all over your Beautyrest Mattress. The cleaner your mattress stays, the less wear it will show and feel over time. The cleanup is easy and you are less likely to get sick. Remember to still wash your mattress protector!

3. Wash your sheets and blankets often

If you don’t use a mattress protector (something we don’t recommend) wash your bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases regularly to prevent bacteria from growing. We suggest doing it at least once every week or two.

4. Give the pets their own bed

We all want to snuggle with our pets in bed, but you’ll soon regret it. All the animal hair, allergens, oils, and so on that your animal carries on their body will soon be on your bed – resulting in a dirty mattress! Do you and your mattress a favour and get your fur friend their own bed.

Visit your local BrandSource retailer carrying Beautyrest Mattresses for more ideas on how to protect your bed!

Angela, Your SleepExpert

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