When a foam mattress is crushed and compressed to a fraction of its original size the foam’s cell structure becomes compromised. The foam becomes softer and loses some of its original resistance.  This is why many of these boxed, foam mattresses feel comfy, it’s because the foam has be ‘tenderized’ for lack of a better word. This is not always a bad thing, however, crushing foam is an old technique and can prevent foam from developing body impressions.

What we don’t know, however, is what kind of long term damage the crushing and compression is doing to the foam, especially when the mattresses remain compressed for weeks at a time. We do know with absolute certainty that the higher the foam density, the more durable the foam/mattress. Foams between 1.0 lbs and 1.6lbs density cannot be crushed and compressed because they will not return to their original state. For foam to return to its original size it must have a density of at least 1.8lbs; this is the bare minimum and this is what most ‘mattress in a box’ companies are making their mattresses with. After making mattresses for over 25 years I can tell you that a 1.8lbs density foam that has never been crushed or compressed will last about 8 years under normal usage. 

The other reason crushed, vacuum-packed mattresses in a box are not a good investment, in my opinion, is the cost. You can purchase the same mattress directly from a manufacturer for about half of the price. For example: The current going rate for an online Queen size mattress with a 1.8lbs density base foam and a gel or memory foam top layer, covered in a cotton or bamboo fabric, is between $850 and $1000. You can get the same foam mattress directly from a manufacturer for around $600.00, and the best part is that the mattress never needs to be crushed. 

The Take-Away.

1. Most boxed mattresses contain 1.8lbs density foam.
2. You can’t get very high-density foam, or high-resolution foam in boxed mattresses.
3. Boxed mattresses that are returned usually end up in land-fills and are an environmental hazard. (No matter what the marketing says, charities no longer take them out of fear of bed-bugs and other hygienic reasons.)
4. You can’t get proper, high quality, individually wrapped, pocket coil mattresses in a box.
5. The long term effects of crushing a foam mattress are not known.
6. You can’t try out a boxed mattress before purchasing. (For the majority of them. Some brands can be found in Brick and Mortar stores.)
7. Boxed mattresses currently available are not suitable for heavy-set individuals. (250lbs or more, or 2 people with a total weight of 500lbs)
8. Buying an equivalent quality foam mattress direct from a mattress manufacturer will save you money.
9. If you do buy a compressed mattress in a box, look for the highest density foam available. (2.0lbs density or higher.) Better yet, look for High-Resolution Foam (3.0lbs or higher).
10. Because latex is so strong, latex mattresses are best suited to be vacuum sealed.

The post Should You Buy a Vacuum Packed Mattress in a Box? appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

So what can you do to fall asleep when counting sheep doesn’t do the trick? Practice good sleep hygiene with some of the tips below.

1. Get the screens out of the bedroom

All the experts agree on this one – our smart devices do more harm than good at night. Keep your television, tablet, phone and anything with a screen out of the bedroom. Don’t use them for at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour) before you go to bed. Most of us use phones as an alarm clock. Replace it with a cheap alarm clock instead and keep temptation away.

2. Use your bed only to sleep

Don’t get into bed unless you’re feeling sleepy. If you’re still awake after half an hour, get out and go to another room. Drink some tea or read a book to relax. Come back only when you’re sleepy again. The idea is to associate the bed with sleeping and not a place to stress out.

3. Take a warm bath or shower

This is an old trick but works wonders. A warm shower will help your muscles relax and get you ready for sleep. Your body temperature drops when you exit the shower and this conditions your body to power down for the night.

4. Put your socks on

When it comes to sleep, you need to keep your core cool and feet/hands warm. So try wearing your socks to bed. Socks help blood flow and balance your body’s internal temperature. This is an especially good tip if you’re one of those people whose feet freeze up in winter. It can help both you and your partner sleep better!

5. Keep a notepad

What if you can’t sleep because your mind is filled with checklists, tasks and worries about tomorrow? Keep a notepad by your bed and jot down anything that comes to your mind. Your to-do list, general worries, anything at all. Writing things down lets you get it out of your head and go to sleep faster.

6. Set up a sleep routine

A sleep routine doesn’t have to be anything special. Any activity that’s not stressful and doesn’t involve a screen is a good candidate. Some people write in their journal while others read or draw in a sketchbook. Routines help remind your mind and body that it’s time to sleep.

7. Visualize a memorable event or experience

Try visualizing an event or vacation that you really enjoyed. Focus on the little details like the taste of the food or the feel of the water in the pool. It will allow you to think about something pleasant and distract from your worries.

8. Practice breathing and relaxation techniques

Breathing and relaxation techniques are easier to learn than meditation. Inhale through your nose for 2 or 3 seconds, fill your lungs and exhale again through the mouth for 4 to 6 seconds. Other techniques include relaxing your muscles one by one – start from your toes and work upwards.

9. Rearrange your bedroom to help you sleep

Noise and light will affect your sleep. Close the drapes to block out light and set the temperature between 65F to 68F. Even the pillow makes a difference. Ideally, your pillow should be soft but firm enough to support your neck and back. Some people use 2 or more pillows to adjust their posture for better sleep.

10. Workout during the day

Most of us sit at a desk and stare at a screen all day. That’s not very helpful when trying to sleep. Hit the gym or run during the day. You’ll fall asleep quicker when your body is tired out. Physical exercise is your best friend to get a good night’s rest. It’ll keep you healthy and help you live longer too!

Replacing Old Mattresses and Pillows

Over time, mattresses lose their firmness and shape. Pillows lose their suppleness. This can cause gradual changes to your posture as you sleep, making it more and more difficult to find the rest that you need. Because these changes are gradual, it’s difficult to notice them. Make sure that you change your bed accessories as often as necessary to ensure a restful sleep!

The post 10 Tips To Fall Asleep Faster That Isn’t Counting Sheep appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

Unfortunately, more people are finding it difficult to sleep than ever before. There are many reasons contributing to the lack of sleep – increased stress levels, working long hours, staring at screens all day long etc. But it’s becoming more and more known that posture and sleeping position can also affect your sleep. Whether you sleep on your back or face down, you are most probably lying down when you sleep.

Even though lying down seems to be the most natural way to sleep, it’s not the only way to rest. Some people need to sleep upright for health reasons such as recovering from surgery. Others find that sleeping upright is more refreshing than any other position. If you have ever tried sleeping on a flight or in the car, you know it can be uncomfortable. But sleeping upright offers many benefits.

The Benefits of Sleeping Upright

Spring brings melting snow and warmer temperatures. However, it also brings pollen. A significant percentage of the population suffers from allergies in spring. To many people, the allergies are severe enough to disrupt their sleeping patterns. Sleeping upright can eliminate some discomfort as it allows congestion to drain from the nose and throat. This position is also helpful for those suffering from the common cold.

Sleeping in the upright position is beneficial for those suffering from back pain. A few degrees can make a world of difference by redistributing the pressure across the various parts of the body. A firm mattress at an incline can help relieve pressure on the lower back. It also helps those who have trouble getting in and out of bed due to joint pain. You can stand up from an upright sleeping position more easily than from a traditional horizontal position.

Upright mattresses or a few pillows under your head can help alleviate symptoms of vertigo, acid reflux, and head rushes from high blood pressure. Sleeping upright can help with some of the side effects of diabetes like poor blood circulation. Sometimes, doctors recommend this position for people recovering from surgical procedures. Some people have medical conditions that limit their ability to change position when sleeping. This can lead to bedsores but upright mattresses can help minimize the effects.

Adjustable Beds for Sleeping Upright

The most common – and easiest – way to sleep upright is buying an adjustable bed. You might have seen these bed frames and hospitals or retirement homes. You can also get them for your own bedroom. Needless to say, adjustable beds can be quite expensive. So what’s th alternative?

Custom Foam Wedges from Matelas Princesse

Instead of getting an adjustable bed frame, you might want to try angled foam wedges on a regular bed. Matelas Princesse – makers of custom mattresses – also manufacture foam wedges for upright sleeping. These wedges are designed with a 35° angle and made from orthopedic high-density gel foam of a superior quality. The high-quality foam provides firm support while allowing you to sleep in a comfortable position.

Foam wedges are inexpensive. The alternative is to spend thousands of dollars on an adjustable bed. They are also better than using multiple pillows. Most people try pillows first – underneath the shoulders, knees or upper back. But pillows easily lose their place when you shift or get out of bed. You have to keep moving them around to get the correct angle each night. Foam wedges can help sleepers achieve the right angle to relieve pain or medical symptoms consistently.

Foam wedges are also great for hospitals where many patients cannot sleep in the horizontal position. Retirement homes can use them too since many elderly inmates find it difficult to sleep horizontally due to joint pain or rheumatoid arthritis. Try sleeping upright with a custom foam wedge from Matelas Princesse and you might find your aches disappearing once and for all!

The post The Benefits of Sleeping Upright – Featuring Matelas Princesse’s Custom Foam Wedge appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

Push back and resistance in a mattress are two separate phenomena that sometime get mingled together. It is true that sometimes the ‘push back’ you might feel on a mattress is just the resistance from the mass of your body at rest (as the weight of your body places progressive pressure on the mattress, the body feels pressure and not necessarily an opposing force pushing you toward the ceiling.); however, real push back, or an opposing force being administered to parts of your body (especially the lighter parts, and the parts that don’t demand much resistance, such as your lower back) can indeed exist in your mattress, and it all comes from the inner coils.

When a coil spring is compressed, it exerts a force roughly equal to its change in length, in physics this is known as Hooke’s Law. Hooke’s Law states that the force with which the spring pushes back is linearly proportional to the distance from its equilibrium length. (As long as the spring is not compressed beyond its elastic limit.) Hooke went on to call this reaction from the coil a restoring force, and like the name suggests, it simply means that when you apply force derived from a mass exerted onto the spring, the spring pushes back in an attempt to restore itself to its natural position and equilibrium.

That’s why it’s not good to have a mattress with too much foam above the coils: the more space there is between your horizontal body and the coils, the lessened the push back.

The vast majority of mattresses on the market today (especially discounted mattresses) have little to no push-back or resistance. There are many reasons but the main ones are: Imported springs are compressed for transport, which ‘softens’ them, and the gauge of most coils is too small. (The smaller the coil, the less steel there is, and the less expensive it is.)

The post The Importance Of Push-Back In Your Mattress. appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

Overly soft mattresses can also cause back pains. A soft mattress that lacks in support can cause the lower part of your spine to strain. There’s a natural curve in the lower, lumbar area of the spine, (the sacrum and coccyx area) this natural curve needs to keep its curved position, if your mattress doesn’t provide enough resistance under this region the natural curve will ‘straighten out’ resulting in pain.

The reverse is also true: a hard mattress can also cause back pains. I see this in older people, who would sacrifice comfort because they think a hard mattress is good for them. The purpose of your mattress is to keep your back straight. This doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice comfort, it only means that your mattress needs to have a perfect balance of comfort and support for YOUR body.

It is possible to manufacture an orthopaedic mattress with memory foams, and springs and latex, as long as all of these components work together to keep your back straight.

Many different things, of course, can cause back pain: Weak box foundations, weak wooden lateral systems, lack of exercise, being overweight, and a bad posture will always eventually cause back pains. Let’s not just blame the mattress.

The post Is back pain a sign that you need a new mattress? appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

Most people were made to believe that memory foam was the solution to everything, from back pains, to snoring, to high-blood pressure, to diminished libido. It’s now evident that all this was derived from a well-calculated marketing plan. The corporations behind the marketing relied on novelty and N.A.S.A, but the jig is up.

Too much memory or gel foam in a mattress will cause lower back pain and will cause you to sleep hot, this much we know, so why do big box stores keep pushing them?

Here are a few reasons:

1. They are easy to make. Speaking as a manufacturer, I can tell you that making a foam mattress with memory foam or gel foam is relatively easy. We glue the foam together and cover it with fabric—easy and fast. Because they are easy to make, any monkey with zero upholstery knowledge can make them. Thus, manufacturers push foam mattresses more than other types of beds.
2. The retail mark-up on memory and gel foam mattresses is enormous. Sometimes marked up more than 200%. That queen size mattress being sold for $2500 retail is being purchased from the manufacturer at between $800 to $1200.
3. The consumer has been brainwashed that memory foam is good for them.
4. People love the touch and feel of memory foam, leading them to believe that it’s great to sleep on.

Not all Visco-elastic memory foam is bad. Memory or gel foam, when used properly, can make your mattress more comfortable. I’ll always use it as the top layer and I always place a firmer foam or coil under it, this way, the memory foam is there to provide comfort and NEVER as a support tool.

Related Mattress Collections:

• Sleep-Pür Series
• Zero Gravity Series
• Energy Series

The post Memory Foam For Comfort, Not For Support. appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

If you’re waking up every morning with a sore and stiff back it can be a sign that you need a new mattress. As your mattress gets older, the foam and springs supporting your back loose their resistance to your body’s weight, in doing so, the mattress looses its ability to keep your back straight, which can cause back pains.

Overly soft mattresses can also cause back pains. A soft mattress that lacks in support can cause the lower part of your spine to strain. There’s a natural curve in the lower, lumbar area of the spine, (the sacrum and coccyx area) this curve needs to keep its curved position, if your mattress doesn’t provide enough resistance under this region the natural curve will ‘straighten out’ resulting in pain.

Memory foams can also cause back pains. Visco-elastic memory foams do not provide any resistance to your body, and while this can be beneficial when it comes to relieving pressure points, it also means that the lack of resistance risks forming a crocked back, especially if you have a bad posture to begin with. The other problem with memory foam is the sensation many people have of feeling trapped within the mattress, hence, changing positions on a memory foam mattress requires a certain amount of force, which can sometimes result in strained or pulled muscles.

Don’t forget that the purpose of your mattress is to keep your back straight. This doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice comfort, it only means that your mattress needs to have a perfect balance of comfort and support for YOUR body.

It is possible to manufacture an orthopaedic mattress with memory foams, and springs and latex, as long as all of these components work together to keep your back straight.

Many different things, of course, can cause back pain: lack of exercise, being overweight, and a bad posture will always eventually cause back pains.

The post Is Your Mattress Causing Your Back Pain? appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

People often ask me, ‘How do you customize a mattress for my body?’ The answer is simple: I’ll make certain that whatever mattress you leave my mattress factory with will keep your back straight for many years. We’ll customize your mattress using proper, high quality, local components. Sometimes the mattress that feels the most comfortable in a showroom is not the mattress that’s best for you. It might feel great to sink into a mattress but your back will not be happy in the months to follow: a straight posture in bed will help you sleep painlessly through the night.

The post The purpose of a mattress appeared first on Matelas Princesse.

Last month I received a call from John. John told me over the phone that he and his wife both have M.S. and are confined to wheelchairs. He continued to say that the mattresses available in retail stores didn’t work for them because they didn’t have the lumbar support they required. John’s back hurt and he wondered if a custom mattress would help. We made an appointment and saw him and his wife, Gloria, within the week.

John and Gloria tried a few of the mattresses in my showroom. I watched them shift from their wheelchairs to the mattress. They used their hands to prop themselves onto the bed. I realized right there that if they bought a mattress from me that I would have to customize the edges of the mattress to support and withstand the weight they apply to the edge of the mattress as they push themselves onto the bed using only their arms. I explained this to them and were surprised that I could do this.

The next issue was the overall height of the bed. A regular box and mattress would be too high for John and Gloria. A high mattress meant that they had to force and exert themselves more; a lower mattress and box put gravity in their favour.

John’s back pain was another issue we focused on. Being in a wheelchair is not something I can relate to; but after doing some research, it was clear that sitting in a 90-degree position all day was affecting John and Gloria’s back. They needed a mattress with a reinforced lumbar area; meaning that the center of the mattress needed to ‘push back’ up against John and Gloria’s lower back. This ‘push back’ or ‘negative pressure’ is an important element lacking in the vast majority of mattress available in retail stores. In order for a mattress to ‘push back’ up against a person’s back, the foam needs to be of a high density, and have a high sag-factor. Determining what density a client needs isn’t easy-It depends on weight and body structure. In John and Gloria’s case, being in a seated position all day meant that their mattress needed to push back against a bent back, and push back against muscle memory. (Muscle memory occurs when a part of you body is in a fixed position for long periods of time. The muscles and body parts ‘feel’ like they’re in a habitual fixed position even when it’s not.)

I did make John and Gloria’s mattress and customized it with their needs in mind. John called me a week ago to ask if it would be possible to lower the over-all height by 1”. We made a thinner box and made the exchange. He told me that his back pain was gone and that getting in and out of bed has never been easier. That was good enough for me.

The post John and Gloria appeared first on Matelas Princesse.