What are the best sleep positions?

Everyone is an individual and we all have our own preferences some for health reasons some may because of the environment.
Some people don’t like facing the window only because the early morning light shining in your face as this means it’s time to get out of my warm comfortable bed and get up for work .

Suffer from a bad back and sciatica down both legs I have recently looked into which is the best position to sleep in, there is a lot of advice out there but they all more or less say the same thing it does not matter if you don’t have back problems the positions are advisable for everyone.

Sleeping on your Back is recommended by all medical experts and Health Organisations place a pillow under your knees This action lowers the arch in your back and relives pressure in a few minutes.

If sleeping on your back is not for you and you sleep on your side then use a supportive pillow under your knees or in-between your Legs  add a small pillow or rolled up towel under the small of your back for extra comfort.

A lot of advice out there all same the same about sleeping on your stomach is not good for your back as this puts pressure on your spine and can twist the muscles in your spine.

If you find the sleeping on your stomach is the only way you can sleep try a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen, avoid using a pillow for your head if it puts your neck and back in a strained position.

*Some people with lower disc bulges could benefit from sleeping as if they were on a massage table by using a aeroplane pillow flat on the bed looking straight down, this stops your head and neck twisting.

Aid to a good night sleep with lower back pain is to apply heat 20 min before bed as this helps the muscles to relax. There is several ways of doing this a warm hot bath, a shower or apply heat direct to the area via a hot water bottles, heat pad or some form of warming muscle rub or spray.

Don’t stay in bed too long as this can cause muscle stiffness and increased back pain. Try some gentle soothing exercise by laying on your back and brining your knees up and on your chest slowly, if you cannot do this with both legs try one at a time hold then relax and put them back down. You can also move slowly side to side when legs are on your chest.
Do not do any exercise if you experience any pain

Caring for your mattress is to ensure support. …

• Use a mattress protector a liquid resistant mattress protector if possible
• Clean your mattress regularly. …
• Rotate to even out wear over time. …
• Take care when moving your mattress. …
• Understand the mattress warranty please read our terms and conditions

How to Clean your Mattress Start the process by stripping the mattress of all sheets and bedding next, vacuum the entire mattress surface with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. The best time to do this is when you rotate or turn your mattress. Once you’re finished vacuuming, check for stains and spot treat them with an appropriate cleaner.

Treat any spill or simple stains with soap or diluted dish detergent and water sparingly try not to saturate the fabric as this may cause mould growth. Make sure your mattress is dry before recovering use a hair dryer on a low heat or leave it in the sun.

We all have young children in our family and accidents do happen to remove a urine stain from the mattress we recommend the following :

You will need:

• Empty spray bottle.
• 8oz Hydrogen peroxide this can be bought at a chemist or super drug
• 3 tbsp of Baking Soda.
• A droop of Liquid dishwashing soap.
• Drop of Lavender Essential Oil (optional) Benefit of the Lavender oil it is said to induce sleep.Spray it all over your mattress to get it saturated especial on the urine stainsThe end results is amazingFor blood or small urine stains, first try applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxideMattress : – if you have a memory top you need time to break it in this usually takes 2-4 weeks . At 4 weeks is when you should start to rotate your mattress then every month for the first 3 months then ever 3 months. WHY :- This provides even wear to each side of the mattress and adjust the sleeping surface evenly to help prolong the life of the mattress .You or your children should avoid standing on your bed and should not be using it as a trampoline as your mattress may start to sag.We recommend you make some time to read up on your mattress warranty rights
• Take care when moving your mattress. When you move your mattress to a new room, or a new house, be sure to measure the exit and entryways to ensure that your mattress can fit through without bending. As bending the mattress can cause damage and make the warranty void. When possible, work with professional movers if not please read make sure you have read and understood your warranty agreement.
• Know what type of mattress you have as some mattress need turning over
• to the affected area. For particularly stubborn stains, try applying baking soda after detergent.
• Leave mattress to dry in the sun light if not possible leave mattress to dry naturally as long as possible and finish of drying with a hair dryer on a low heat.  After the mattress has dried vacuum the mattress to get rid of any gritty baking soda residue
• Within a few minutes you will see the urine stain start to disappear.
• Mix the solution in the bottle by carefully gently swirl it around to avoid making too many bubbles. Make sure you use the mixture right away for the best results If there is any left please throw it away as it will not be effective.
• Fill the empty spray bottle with Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dishwashing soap you can add in a drop of Lavender oil to help neutralize the smell.

Caring for your mattress is important to ensure you get continued, reliable support from it and a good nights sleep!

• Use a mattress protector a liquid resistant mattress protector if possible
• Clean your mattress regularly
• Rotate to even out wear over time
• Take care when moving your mattress
• Understand the mattress warranty please read our terms and conditions

How to Clean your Mattress Start the process by stripping the mattress of all sheets and bedding next, vacuum the entire mattress surface with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. The best time to do this is when you rotate or turn your mattress. Once you’re finished vacuuming, check for stains and spot treat them with an appropriate cleaner.

Treat any spill or simple stains with soap or diluted dish detergent and water sparingly try not to saturate the fabric as this may cause mould growth. Make sure your mattress is dry before recovering use a hair dryer on a low heat or leave it in the sun.

We all have young children in our family and accidents do happen to remove a urine stain from the mattress we recommend the following :

You will need:

• Empty spray bottle
• 8oz Hydrogen peroxide this can be bought at a chemist or super drug
• 3 tbsp of Baking Soda
• A drop of Liquid dishwashing soap
• Drop of Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

Fill the empty spray bottle with Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dishwashing soap you can add in a drop of Lavender oil to help neutralize the smell.

Benefit of the Lavender oil it is said to induce sleep.

Mix the solution in the bottle by carefully gently swirl it around to avoid making too many bubbles. Make sure you use the mixture right away for the best results If there is any left please throw it away as it will not be effective.

Spray it all over your mattress to get it saturated especial on the urine stains
Within a few minutes you will see the urine stain start to disappear.

The end results is amazing.

Leave mattress to dry in the sun light if not possible leave mattress to dry naturally as long as possible and finish of drying with a hair dryer on a low heat. After the mattress has dried vacuum the mattress to get rid of any gritty baking soda residue.

For blood or small urine stains, first try applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide
to the affected area. For particularly stubborn stains, try applying baking soda after detergent.
Mattress : – if you have a memory top you need time to break it in this usually takes 2-4 weeks . At 4 weeks is when you should start to rotate your mattress then every month for the first 3 months then ever 3 months.

Know what type of mattress you have as some mattress need turning over.

WHY :- This provides even wear to each side of the mattress and adjust the sleeping surface evenly to help prolong the life of the mattress .You or your children should avoid standing on your bed and should not be using it as a trampoline as your mattress may start to sag.

Take care when moving your mattress. When you move your mattress to a new room, or a new house, be sure to measure the exit and entryways to ensure that your mattress can fit through without bending. As bending the mattress can cause damage and make the warranty void. When possible, work with professional movers if not please read make sure you have read and understood your warranty agreement.

We recommend you make some time to read up on your mattress warranty rights

Did you know that you have bed bugs in your bed? Yes, it’s true….

BF Beds are pleased to announce a new range of vacuum packed solid memory foam mattresses. Unlike our current range which are almost all spring based we are pleased to now offer this alternative range of solid foam mattresses. Here are some of the different types of foam included in the range:

COOL MARBLE FOAM
A cooler foam offering optimum comfort and support through the use of highly resilient, high density, full depth Revo foam technology.

Soft to feel and touch
30 x greater airflow for a cooler sleep
Increased pressure relief
Increased blood circulation
Increased comfort
Reduced motion transfer

4G MEMORY

The 4th generation in foam technology, with a revolutionary cool sleep concept. Made with wide open cells and thicker walls for enhanced durability, airflow is 30 times greater then premium visco memory. Reduces build up of body heat during sleep to promote quality sleep and proven to wick moisture and dissipate heat away from the body.

30x greater airflow for a cooler sleep
Increased pressure relief
Increased blood circulation
Increased comfort
Reduced motion transfer
Complete anti-bacterial protection

LATEX

A natural milk taken from the rubber tree, which when converted into foam provides the superior comfort and durability which is latex. It is not heat retentive and is naturally breathable which makes latex so good. We only use natural Talalay latex in all our mattresses in the latex range.
Latex has an instant rebound properly and recovers instantly as you move off, back to its original state.

LAYGEL

Laygel moulds to the body but unlike memory foam it does not rely as heavily on heat to fully mould, meaning it does not get as hot as memory foam. Due to this, it also returns to its original shape much quicker meaning your not left with an indentation on your mattress. A fantastic pressure relieving material that feels and moves like gel.

MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam was first designed in the 1960`s for NASA plane seats. The average memory foam mattress literally has millions of tiny holes and air escapes from these as the foam moulds to itself around the body. This action is activated by pressure and body heat, and results in a foam mattress that offers total independent support without pressure points.

Memory foam is hypo-allergenic and dust mite resistant creating a healthier sleeping environment.
Temperature sensitive material that reacts to the body

Helps keep your spine aligned
Relieves pressure on joints
No need to turn
Hypo-allergic
Dust mite resistant
No roll together

COOL BLUE

Cool Blue consists of an advanced P.U BASED FOAM. It is one of the latest developments in foam. It has the same pressure relieving benefits and body moulding properties as memory foam but without any heat, and because it doesn`t retain heat, it returns to it`s original shape much quicker. More denser than memory foam.

Temperature sensitive material that reacts to, but doesn’t retain heat
Helps to keep your spine aligned
Relieves pressure on joints
No need to turn
Hypo-allergic
Dust mite resistant
No roll together

POCKET SPRINGS

Ranging from 1000 to 3000 springs, with each spring nestled and stitched into it`s own individual pocket unit. Your chosen spring unit is placed inside a foam casket with a reflex base, it is then layered with your choice of sleeping surface before it goes off to get completed, vacuum packed and rolled.

REFLEX FOAM

Reflex foam, like memory foam is also high density foam, but is constructed in a different was using larger bubbles. When pressure is applied to these bubbles they act in a similar was to water in a balloon – the air does not escape, and instead is displayed `sideways’. Once pressure is relieved, the bubbles spring back into shape and the mattress retains it`s shape.
It`s for this reason that the reflex foam mattress is a popular as an orthopaedic mattress as it offers a firm but comfortable mattress option. Reflex foam has also been found to be one of the best supportive layers / base foams to be used in the manufacture of many foam mattresses. Reflex from British Vita… the original bounce back foam
Firm orthopaedic feel
Value for money
Helps to keep spine aligned
No need to turn
Dust mite resistance

What does rocket science and bedding have in common? More than you would think actually! If you are in the market for a new bed or mattress then the chances are you have heard the term ‘memory foam’ thrown around more than once. But what actually is Memory foam? Where did it come from and what does it do?

Memory foam was actually invented and developed as part of a NASA contract from the Ames research center in America. The aim was to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. NASA scientists were heavily involved as well as scientists from the aerospace industry. Eventually in the 1990’s NASA released memory foam in to the public domain paving the way for mattress manufacturers to use the technology in their products. Memory foam mattresses were an instant hit and continue to enjoy popularity among consumers worldwide.

Key Benefits

Here are the main benefits of a memory foam mattress over standard quilted mattresses:

They are quiet

The visco-elastic foam used to make memory foam mattresses is inherently much quieter than a traditional spring system. The material absorbs and and isolates any movement which means it is quiet and you will also feel less movement from your sleeping partner. If you are a light sleeper especially if you have a restless partner then memory foam may be the right choice for you.

Pressure / pain relief

Memory foam offers excellent support due to the way it distributes your weight. Now, at BF beds obviously we are not doctors and you should always consult a health professional but research has shown that memory foam mattresses can relive aches and pains. It is also know to improve circulation. It is because of these properties that memory foam is widely used in hospitals and nursing homes. Again we recommend you speak to your doctor but you are welcome to come down to our showroom and try them for yourself to see if it is right for you. If you suffer from aches and pains and you have not tried memory foam then you should consider it.

Spinal Alignment

The way in which memory foam supports your body means that it promotes spinal alignment. This is another way that memory foam can potentially relieve aches and pains aw well as improving your posture.

Hypo Allergenic

Memory foam is an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. It is 100% anti-bacterial and hypo allergenic and also is resistant to bed bugs and such due to the natural barrier which it creates effectively stopping unwanted critters from entering and breeding in your mattress.

Lifespan

Due to it’s construction and elastic properties memory foam will typically last longer than mattresses filled with traditional materials such as quilting or feathers. Normal mattresses such as these have a tendency to sag or dip in places after so many years of wear and tear when the filling is displaced. Memory foam does not behave in this manner and as long as you take the proper care such as avoiding harsh chemicals, turn every so often then it should retain it’s shape for many years.

Potential Downsides

Heat

By nature a memory foam mattress will retain heat. It is via heat and pressure that memory foam is able to mould to your body and offer the best support. In the UK we have a moderate climate so it’s not really an issue. However if you sleep in a warm room such as an attic then it is something you should be aware of. An alternative to memory foam that offers a similar support is a latex mattress. Latex is expensive however so these do cost more however it will not absorb heat in the same way. Another alternative is a gel mattress and the same applies.

Weight Limit

If you are over 15 stone in weight then a memory foam mattress may not offer you very good support. We would recommend going with a firmer, non memory foam mattress such as the Clifton or the Executive.

If you are reading this article it’s safe to assume that you are in the market for a new mattress, right? You have probably shopping around and chances are if you don’t know a lot about mattresses then you may be finding yourself a bit bewildered by all of the options out there. Memory Foam, Pocket Spring, Coil Spring, Orthopeadic, Hand Tufted, Non Tufted this list goes on. One key component of your new mattress is going to be the type(s) of filling used. This can greatly affect the practicality, comfort and price of your mattress. The aim of this article is to explain in layman terms wheat the main different types of fillings are which are on the market and what the benefits to you are.

So let’s start. Mattrress fillings can be grouped in to two categories. Synthetic and Natural:

Synthetic Mattress Fillings

Polyester – Commonly found in more entry level mattresses. It is cheap to produce and so brings the end cost of the product down for consumers on a budget. It is still a good choice though and remains popular due to it’s durability and excellent recovery properties.

Visco Elastic (Memory Foam) – Originally invented by NASA memory foam has gained a solid hold as a favourite for mattress filling. Memory foam will gently form to the shape of yoru body offering excellent support and pressure point qualities. Memory foam it’s self comes in a wide range of types with different qualities and densities.

Polyurethane – as with Polyester Polyurethane is widely used due to the value for money it offers. A foam filling offering comfort, durability and value.

Natural Mattress Fillings

Latex – latex is a premium mattress filling derived from the rubber tree. Well known for it’s pressure point support qualities and unlike memory foam will recover it’s shape instantly. Hard wearing offering excellent support.

Cotton – Cotton is a commonly found mattress filling favoured for it’s soft feel. Cotton is also widely used due to it’s good aborbition and breathability.

Wool – Also known for it’s absorption and breathability. Adds a luxury feel to a mattress and is well known and used in the trade for it’s fire retardant properties.

Hair – Horse hair is regarded as the top end of the market for mattress fillings. It is has natural spring properties, doesn’t break down easily and naturally absorbs moisture slowly. Durability and the higest level of comfort.

Cashmere, Mohair and Silk – these premium materials are often added to a mattress in loose layers and then compacted to offer a luxurious level of comfort for the customer.

Hopefully after reading this article your are better informed firstly about what you are buying but secondly and more importantly what products are suitable for you. Of course, every mattress is different and every person is different. The best thing you can do is call down to our mattress testing station and showroom in LS12 and try a few for yourself.

The Middle Ages

Rather inevitably, dream theory revolved around strong religious influences. Under the grip of the church; they were seen to be the work of the devil which served to lead its dreamer into temptation through sleep. Dreams were seen to also be an indicator of the person’s moral status. Those who had dreams of power and success were seen to have a positive moral status, while those who dreamt of bad things were seen to be of questionable character. This era also saw a slight shift back to the Ancient Egyptian theory that dreams were a method in which God could communicate with humans. There were many examples of stories from the Bible in which dreams had played an important role in a person’s actions.

Ancient Rome

The theories outlined by the Greeks were adopted too in Rome, but used as means in which to keep order amongst its citizens. It is said that Augustus Caesar made it law that those who had a dream about the Roman Empire should share it with their friends and at social places, such as markets and taverns. Unpopular new laws were justified because they were suggested in the dreams of the rulers and citizens. It was widely agreed amongst Roman scholars that dreams came from a person’s thoughts, feelings and environment, rather than from the Gods.

Aristotle

His protégée’, Aristotle also rejected the idea of dreams being sent by gods and that dreaming was to do with the brain’s capacity to perceive and remember objects. He said that while awake, a human mind can see an object and then remember what it looked like afterwards. During sleep this ability disappears, causing a blur between actual object and imagined ones. This leads to the process of dreaming about things which are no longer there once we wake up, but with an amazing sense of reality.

Other Philosophers

The Greek philosopher, Antiphon studied the work of the Egyptians regarding dreams and made his own interpretations, around the 4^th Century BC.

He too rejected the idea that dreams were sent by the gods and surmised that they were more to do with the natural surroundings of the dreamer. Another thinker of the time, Artemidourus wrote a book in the 2^nd Century AD, which classified dreams into two major categories. These were “Somnium,” which predicted future events and “Insomnium,” which related things which had happened in the past.