Adjustable mattresses are unique in that they provide a completely versatile sleeping surface, with the ability to reduce neck, back, joint, and muscle pain. Many people who sleep on one claim to sleep sounder than they ever have on a regular mattress, and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Unlike regular mattresses, which are filled with foam or coiled springs, adjustable models use air as the primary support. Airbeds range from the basic, single chamber model with an air pump, to a state-of-the-art design with several features, such as remote controls and precision settings.

Fans of air mattresses agree that the best feature of them is the ability to change the firmness. The air chambers in an adjustable mattress allow you to find the setting that is right for you. If you share a bed with a partner who likes a different level of comfort, this type of mattress could be the solution. By choosing an air mattress with an adjustable dual chamber and independent controls, both sleepers can adjust their side of the bed to suit their individual needs. Most dual chamber airbeds have good motion isolation, meaning that one person is less likely to be disturbed by the movements of another during the night.

Adjustable mattresses give you the option of adapting your sleeping surface to suit your changing needs. If you are suffering from backache or joint pain, you will be able to adjust the firmness of your mattress by either increasing or decreasing the air in the chamber.

This type of mattress is easy to repair if something goes wrong, often without spending a huge amount of money. Individual parts can be replaced, instead of replacing the entire mattress. Caring for an airbed mattress is easy, too. There is no need to flip or turn it. It is lightweight, so it is easy to move if you need to.

If you haven’t slept on an airbed before, why not try one out in the showroom? As with all types of mattresses, it is important to take the time to test a few different models until you find the one that will help you sleep soundly.

If you are prone to allergies, or have a child who is, you will be aware of the importance of using organic products in your home as much as possible. The chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic products can trigger allergies and make symptoms worse. It is becoming easier to find organic alternatives to regular household items than it used to be, but looking for an organic mattress store may require some work. You must make sure you are buying a genuine organic product, which requires a little knowledge and research.

Many companies describe their products as being ‘eco-friendly’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘natural’. None of these things should be mistaken with organic. For a product (be it a garment, mattress, or beauty product) to be genuinely organic, it must be certified as such by a third party organic certifying agent.

Be wary of claims that a mattress is 100% organic. Most organic mattresses will consist of both organic materials and natural components. Natural latex foam, for example, is often found in mattresses claiming to be organic. Organic latex does not exist, however, and no certifying organizations will certify latex foam as being organic. Latex may be natural, synthetic (man made) or a combination of both.

Two mattress components that can be truly organic are wool and cotton. For cotton or wool to be certified organic, it must be grown without any synthetic chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. Organic materials are much healthier for your body because there is no danger of any toxic chemicals reaching the body through the skin. An organic mattress is generally made with a non-organic latex foam support, with a layer of organic wool on top of it and then layers of organic cotton wrapped around it.

So what questions should you ask when shopping for a mattress, to ensure it is as organic as possible? Ask if the latex is natural. Ask for an explanation of every different layer in the mattress, and make sure you find out what binds the layers together too. Check that all elements that can be 100 percent organic actually are. Any reputable organic mattress store should be able to back up all these answers with supporting paperwork.

If you are looking for the perfect mattress to cure your sore back, here is some important advice – don’t trust any company that tells you they have the one that will do that! No type of mattress can be guaranteed to get rid of your back problems because everybody’s body is different. Speaking generally, certain types of mattress are considered to be suitable for those who experience back problems. An adjustable air mattress is one of them.

One person may suffer from a bad back because his mattress is too soft, while the next person may find that a hard mattress makes his back ache. One mattress may be great for lower back pain, while another may alleviate upper back pain. Whether you sleep on your side or your back is another factor to be taken into account when choosing your mattress. Because an adjustable air mattress can be customized, you can determine your own level of support. A mattress with a good level of support, which promotes healthy spine curvature and is a comfortable sleep surface, is the best option. When you can tick all three boxes, this is the mattress that is going to be as close to a ‘cure’ for your pain as possible.

Another mattress often recommended for an aching back is a memory foam mattress. The memory foam ‘remembers’ your sleeping position and contours to your joints with the pressure sensitive foam, reducing the amount of pressure put on them. Another option is a mattress pad or topper on your existing or new mattress for extra comfort.

Consider a few things when choosing your mattress. Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm often causes aches and pains, so a medium-firm mattress may be more comfortable, as it allows the shoulders and hips to sink into the surface slightly. If you need a firm mattress for high levels of support, choosing one with thicker padding will increase the overall comfort factor. Often, back pain is caused not by the type of mattress but by the condition of it. If your mattress is over 5 years old, looks visibly worn, and you regularly wake up in the morning with aches and pains, it sounds like it is time to shop for a new one.

If you are heading off to college, you will have a long list of items to take with you to make student life more comfortable. You are unlikely to forget bedding, but have you remembered to include a mattress pad or topper? Although the two terms are often used interchangeably nowadays, traditionally, mattress pads and toppers have different functions. A topper is an extra layer of comfort designed to be placed over the existing mattress. A pad may perform the same role, but can also be used to describe a thinner pad, which is usually made out of cotton and protects the mattress from dirt and damage. Both items can be really useful for students, who need to make sure they get plenty of good quality sleep to cope with the demands of college life.

Most dorm beds are twin XL size, which is no problem as there are many toppers and pads to fit. It is worth giving some thought to the type of pad or topper you buy, as you will want it to last as long as possible. You have various types to choose from. It appears that the most common toppers are made out of manmade (synthetic) or natural latex, or memory foam. If budget is no issue – perhaps your parents are treating you – it makes sense to go for natural latex. It is resistant to dust mites and mold spores, making it ideal for those who are prone to allergies. It is also extremely comfortable. Memory foam is comfortable but can harden at temperatures below 65 degrees, so if you are in a cold dorm this could be a problem, and it can take a while to bounce back into shape. Using a mattress topper can really improve sleep quality by adding an extra comfort layer. This can stop joint and backache, which often results from sleeping on a hard, uncomfortable surface.

Mattress pads and toppers are best made of cotton, as it is a naturally hypoallergenic material. As a very slim, quilted cover, mattress pads are easy to roll up and pack, and equally simple to wash. Cotton is a very durable fabric and can be machine washed. Look for a pad that has elastic edging, so that it will fit snugly around the edges of your mattress. If you want something a little more luxurious, go for a lamb’s wool mattress pad. You will never want to get out of bed! It is like sleeping with the softest of sheepskin rugs under your bed sheet. However this type of pad is far less practical than a cotton one. For that reason, most students go for cotton pads.

When topper and pad are used interchangeably, a mattress pad is a slightly thinner topper. Memory foam mattress pads are lightweight, so they are easy to transport, but they are not breathable, so nighttime sweating may be a problem. While a memory foam pad can be inexpensive, many people complain that they smell (known as out-gassing), and after a while of constant use it stops springing back into place.

When you are shopping for your mattress pad or topper to take to college with you, treat it the same as you would any regular mattress. Go to a showroom and test out several types. Lie on each one for at least 5 minutes to really get a feel for it. This will help you narrow down your options. Price will be a factor, of course, but don’t automatically go for the cheapest option. While it is true that the most expensive option does not necessarily mean the best quality, it many cases you do get what you pay for. It makes sense to invest in a product that will see you through your entire college life, rather than spend less on cheap mattress pads and toppers that will need replacing after a term. Check what warranty the pad or topper comes with, and ask about the retailer’s returns policy. If you are confused about any of the information provided, ask the salesperson to clarify it. Stores often use complicated descriptions and technical language to describe their products – don’t be scared to request an explanation in layman’s terms!

There is a lot of pressure on students to adapt to college life and cope with the heavy workload. To make it a little easier on yourself, take the pressure off your body – at least during the night. A comfortable bed will help you get that crucial sleep and wake up refreshed and energized every morning. After you have tried a mattress pad or topper, you will wonder how you ever coped without one!