Your Mattress Has A Foul Smell
Memory foam mattresses may have a mild chemical odor for weeks, but that should dissipate. Other types of mattresses shouldnt have a smell at all. If your bed smells like sweat or urine, then you need to treat those stains. However, if the mattress starts to smell foul like rotten food, you almost certainly have a mold infestation. The smell will typically start before you see black mold.
One way to rule out other potential causes is treating stains with enzymatic cleaner. This allows you to determine if the smell is rotting orange juice and chicken soup residue versus mold.
How To Measure A Mattress
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Kyle Hall works on the content team at wikiHow. He helps manage our team of editors and creates content for a variety of wikiHow projects. Kyle continually looks for new ways to improve the content at wikiHow and make it more helpful and enjoyable for readers. He graduated from Eckerd College in 2015, where he majored in Political Science.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 26,172 times.
Measuring a mattress is helpful when youre looking to buy bedding or bring a new mattress into your home. Luckily, measuring a mattress is easy and only requires a few simple tools.
The Risks Of Owning A Mattress Containing Glass Fibers
There are many risks associated with having fiberglass in your home. They may easily cling to your clothes, body, and hair, making removal difficult, and, more importantly, they can cause serious health problems. For children and people with allergies, this can be extremely dangerous. There is some debate over studies that looked at the link between human exposure to fiberglass and cancer development. Additionally, glass fibers may irritate the eyes and upper respiratory system and can get lodged in the skin, necessitating surgical removal.
Worst of all, once it has escaped from your mattress, fiberglass is extremely difficult to remove it can infiltrate your ventilation system, heater, or air conditioner, where it may cause further harm. In fact, it will contaminate everything within your house, including the air, carpet, furniture and clothing. Its similar to dust that settles everywhere, but its composed of small glass shards.
Fiberglass takes a lot of effort to clean up, making it costly and burdensome. Depending on the severity of the problem, removing glass fibers from your house may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000, or more according to one fiberglass-cleaning expert. Thus, although fiberglass is an excellent flame retardant for mattresses, the health and cost concerns are just not worth it, particularly when there are alternative, better flame-proof materials available.
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Did You Know: Fiberglass Is In The Mattress Top Layer
In the mid 20th century, fiberglass became a preeminent insulating material in the US. The construction industry used fiberglass fillings in wall cavities for energy efficiency, improved comfort, and acoustical purposes.
It wasnt until the 1970s that flocked fiberglass fabrics were used in mattress ticking for their remarkable fireproof properties. Fiberglass is also heat-resistant, making it a suitable choice for sleep temperature regulation.
It is usually mixed with other components to minimize its side-effect. Although with time, these materials wear off and you are left with tiny strands of glass, which could be life-threatening to sleep on.
Regular foam mattresses use Flame Retardant sock to meet the US federal regulations for mattress flammability. Few companies use toxic chemicals as a fire barrier, but they pose health risks.This is why fiberglass is considered a safer option as it will not harm unless exposed to open-air. A fiberglass-based sock stifles the presence of oxygen, thus slowing down the combustion of a mattress.
It is a synthetic, cheaper alternative yet offers the required level of protection. People also refer to FR socks as silica socks as the primary component contains silicon oxide polymer with a high melting point.
After a year of full-time research I recommend two companies , Brooklyn Bedding and Naturepedic .
Scott Boyd
How Long Do Mattresses Last
On average, most mattresses last about 7 to 10 years. However, many factors can influence the durability and lifespan of a mattress.
The quality and materials of a mattress significantly impact how it performs. Mattresses made with denser foams, natural latex, thicker coils, or higher coil counts are better equipped to accommodate the weight of the sleeper and rebound back to their original shape time after time. By contrast, lower-quality foams and coils may break down sooner.
Certain types of mattresses may last longer than others. Natural latex is durable and tends to hold up the longest. Low-quality innerspring mattresses often start sagging after a few years, and foam mattresses may soften and develop permanent body indentations. Hybrid mattress manufacturers often attempt to circumvent these problems by using higher-quality comfort layers and supporting them with sturdier coils.
How much pressure the mattress supports also influences its lifespan. Single sleepers and individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds exert less pressure on the mattress, and may find their mattresses last longer. Likewise, a mattress that is used nightly sustains more pressure than a guest room bed. While a low-density polyfoam model may provide a perfectly comfortable option for a mattress intended for occasional use, your everyday bed should be made with sturdier materials that can hold up to consistent wear.
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Checklist Of The Top Signs Indicating A Bad Mattress
Here are the six top signs indicating that youre sleeping on a bad mattress that needs to be replaced:
Your Mattress Has Stains
You get rid of your clothes when they have stains you can’t get out in the washand you should extend the same courtesy to your mattress, too. “Excessive staining of your mattress can foster mold and microbe growth that can cause illness over time,” says Nichols.
The good news? “The use of mattress protectors and the occasional flipping of certain types of mattresses can extend the life of your mattress,” while preventing some of those stains in the first place, says Nichols.
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Can It Possibly Cause Sciatica
If you know anyone that has sciatica, youll probably hear them complain about it constantly. Its quite painful. Sciatica is a painful, tingly or numbing sensation down the side or back of the legs that runs down the sciatic nerve .
Its caused by degenerative disc disease and sleeping on a bad mattress can accelerate or exacerbate sciatica symptoms. Therefore, indirectly, you could say that it can cause sciatica. It certainly wont help!
Signs Your Mattress Is Too Soft
Plus how to pick the perfect replacement, according to a spine surgeon.
There’s nothing quite like sinking into bed after a long day. But if you’re literally sinking into your bed, it might be a time for a new mattress, says Richard Guyer, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and cofounder of the Texas Back Institute.
Your spine has a natural S-curve, he explains, with the lower back curving inward, and the upper back curving out: “If you lay down on a very, very soft bed, the curve is not supported and you lay like youre in a hammock. I call it the banana position. While the banana position feels oh-so-good when youre chillaxing, its not the way you want to sleep all night, says Dr. Guyer.
So how do you know if your mattress is firm enough? Its one of those black box areas that we as consumers dont know much about,” says Dr. Guyer. But there are a few telltale signs that you’re not getting the support you need: 1) There’s a dent in your mattress in the morning. 2) You’re draggy throughout the day, because you’re not getting quality sleep at night. 3) You feel soreness in your back in the A.M.
If any of these signs are true for youand you’re ready to invest in a better mattress, Dr. Guyer has a few shopping tips.
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What Else Can I Do For Back Pain
Changing your mattress will most likely do wonders for your back pain, if that was the cause. You can also implement a short stretching routine into your day. Aim to do a few stretches before you go to bed and after you wake up to help with spine flexibility. Also, it is important to learn how to sleep in the best position possible. Many experts recommend sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to support the hips and lower back. Certain pillows can also help promote less neck and back pain while you sleep.
For sweeter dreams and less back pain in the morning, consider getting a new mattress. Your sleep is essential, so make sure you are getting a mattress that will improve your sleep, not make it worse. When mattress shopping, bring your own pillow and spend a good ten to fifteen minutes on each mattress. It may seem silly, but it is the best way to ensure you get the right mattress for you.
Replace Your Bed Frame Or Slats
Check your bed frame to see what kind of slats you have. Solid slats make your mattress feel a lot firmer as they are designed to offer more support by adding pressure to your mattress.
To make your mattress softer, you could invest in a bed frame with sprung slats. This is because sprung slats provide more cushioned support and move with your mattress throughout the night.
If you’d like to find out more about the different types of bed frame slats, check out our guide.
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Your Existing Skin Conditions Have Gotten Worse
There are people who live with psoriasis and eczema on a daily basis. If these conditions have suddenly worsened, it might be due to stress. However, it may be made worse by contact with mold in your mattress. If your doctors treatments arent controlling the condition anymore, determine if there is mold in the mattress.
Your Bed And Back Pain
When it comes to managing your back pain, you should first take a close examination of the type of mattress you are currently using. Your mattress should offer optimal support to your spine and encourage the right sleeping posture. Typically, a mattress that is relatively harder may exert excessive pressure on your bodys pressure points thus making you feel uncomfortable. Consequently, a mattress that is too soft may offer the much-needed support to areas that need it, but will eventually force your spine to spend many hours in poor and unhealthy sleeping positions. This only implies that due diligence should always guide you into purchasing a high-quality mattress that supports the recommended sleeping posture. You can see the list of our selected 10 high-quality mattresses for back pain.
Each one of us has totally different sleep preferences, a factor that somehow makes it difficult to find a general perfect sleeping mattress. However, experts all agree that you should look for a mattress which is neither too firm nor too soft. If your mattress is too soft, it will encourage your body to sink into it hence resulting in bad posture. On the other hand, if the mattress is extremely hard, it pushes on your pressure points leading to misalignment.
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It’s More Than Seven Years Old
The seven-year itch isn’t just for relationships. “Mattresses are like cars: They’re not designed or built to last a lifetime,” says Matthew Ross, co-owner and COO of leading sleep and mattress review website The Slumber Yard. “Over time mattresses naturally lose their original shape and support level.”
Rogers adds that it’s important to remember that “your body and lifestyle changes a lot over seven years.” “That’s why we suggest evaluating your mattress for comfort and support every seven years,” she notes. And if you want to negate the effects of that bad mattress, start with these 50 Ways to Be a Higher Energy Person Immediately.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life,
What Are The Possible Reasons Why Your Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Is Not Expanding
If your Lucid memory foam mattress is not expanding, there might be an essential step you havent performed after unrolling it. First, it needs time to develop, typically within 72 hours before you can finally use the mattress. So wait for it until it becomes entirely usable in its original size.
Some memory foam mattresses take one week to air out, but they lose the new-foam smell at the same time. It is already fully plumped when you noticed that the smell is gone. And you can use a mattress topper to retain the plumpness of your new memory foam.
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Your Mattress Is Noisy
Does your mattress creak, groan or pop? That’s a sign you need a mattress replacement. It shouldn’t, even when you’re tossing and turning. Mattresses with springs and coils tend to get noisy after years of use, as the springs lose their springiness and the inner workings of the mattress get wacky. If you use a wooden or metal bed frame, rule that out first, and then consider investing in a new mattress.
Signs And Effects Of A Bad Mattress
Sleep impacts nearly every aspect of your health and wellbeing. Without restful sleep, your body doesnt have the resources it needs to function properly. One of the simplest solutions for a good nights sleep is a comfortable mattress. If your mattress is failing to deliver the comfort and support you need, it may be time for a new one.
Many factors influence the durability and lifespan of a mattress. While all mattresses eventually degrade, a mattress constructed with high-quality materials tends to hold out for longer before developing sagging or permanent body indentations. Once these problems occur, your mattress is no longer able to provide adequate spinal support and pressure relief.
Recognizing the early signs of a bad mattress can help you avoid some of the uncomfortable side effects of sleeping on one.
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So Whats The Underlying Cause Of Back Pain
As we previously mentioned, there are potentially endless causes of back pain. However, the primary cause of back pain in bed is arguably a poor sleeping posture. Between the spinal vertebrae, there are small intervertebral discs that tend to rehydrate as you sleep. Research has proven that poor sleeping posture may prevent these discs from rehydrating hence leading to back pain issues. Connected to your vertebra are relatively smaller groups of muscles known as erector spine as well as somewhat larger muscle groups such as the trapezius. When you adopt a poor sleeping posture, these muscles are forced to assume awkward positions which can potentially result in prolonged irritations hence resulting in severe pains and aches on your back muscles.
Your Body Has Changed
Even if theres nothing wrong with your mattress or bed, there are a number of reasons why you still might need to invest in a new one.
For one, body shapes change over time.
If youve recently gained or lost a substantial amount of weight, the mattress that used to feel like floating on air can suddenly be far too hard or soft.
This is especially common during and after pregnancies.
You might also want to consider a new mattress if youve recently had an accident or undergone surgery, and also if youve developed chronic symptoms like back pain or arthritis.
The right mattress can go a long way to soothing our joints and muscles, so its important to recognize when its time to make the change.
Additionally, if youre over 40, the best mattress for your body can actually change every seven to eight years.
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How To Identify A Fiberglass
There are three main ways to tell if a mattress contains fiberglass:
- Read the label to find out what material your mattress is composed of search for terms like fiberglass, glass wool or glass fiber.
- Read the manufacturers instructions carefully if it states Do not remove the cover, its most likely because the mattress contains glass fibers. Some mattresses have zips on the cover, despite a do not remove cover caution this zip is not an invitation to remove the cover, but a part of the manufacturing process thus, avoid touching the zip if you encounter a mattress with a zip or a never to remove the cover warning.
- If none of the previous two are available, this is when you would presume a memory foam mattress includes fiberglass: it was inexpensive and manufactured in China.
- To rule out the possibility that the mattress contains fiberglass, you may look for clues in the product descriptions, FAQ pages, and customer reviews that can be found on the manufacturers website and major retail websites.
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