Thursday 18 January 2018

The Importance of Mattress Protectors


We have all been in the situation when we have bought a new pair of
shoes and the salesperson tries to sell additional sprays, polishes,
shoe-guards and various other accessories. We might compare this type
of “upselling” to acquiring a brand new mattress. If the product is
completely satisfactory and to our exact specifications, why should we
spend more money getting a protector for it?
The fact is, it is a false economy NOT to invest in a mattress protector. It really is
the equivalent of going out in the rain without an umbrella – put
simply, you will end up regretting it!


Protecting your Warranty as Well as your Mattress

A new mattress will come with a warranty. The main purpose of the
warranty is to protect the consumer from any defects in the
construction. This covers a variety of issues: for example, maybe the
mattress will start to sag. If it dips in the middle, without anyone
being on it, up to or beyond an inch in measurement, then you have a
right to make a claim.
Broken coils are another possible problem. These may work their way out
through the fabric and poke out. The stitching on the seams can come
undone, or a foam topping can end up being bunched up and
uncomfortable. Any of these physical defects can be used to validate
the warranty and obtain a replacement. However, the warranty will be
null and void if the mattress has a stain on it.
Yes, a legitimate claim cannot be accepted if there is any mark or
stain on the mattress whatsoever. You may think you are extremely
careful, never spill a drink in bed, nor sweat heavily, but you would
be amazed how moisture can seep through after many nights of regular
use. Liquids can wear down the fabrics of the mattress wadding. And it
is not simply perspiration: our bodies also excrete oils, they shed
skin cells, and they may leave traces of make-up, saliva, or blood.
A standard bed sheet is no barrier to these excretions going straight
through to the mattress underneath. The minerals and salts in these
leaks dry out and discolour, and we end up sleeping on top of these
ugly stains. The only solution is to fit a mattress protector that
absorbs these fluids, which can then be taken off and washed
separately. This will keep the life of the mattress in a “good-as-new”
state for a great deal longer, and preserve the date of the warranty.


Protection from Dust Mites

Another huge benefit to a mattress protector is that they create a
shield against dust mites. Allergies to these little critters can cause
all sorts of problems, from a runny nose to wheezing and shortness of
breath. If you don’t fit a mattress protector, your dead skin cells
will drop down onto the mattress itself, and dust mites will feed on
these. It is not a pleasant thought, but luckily there is an effective
way to prevent it, and that is the quick and easy fitting of a
protector. Without one, the mattress can effectively become a breeding
ground for mould and bacteria, and if left undisturbed those dust mites
will multiply.
By the way, a mattress protector should not be confused with a mattress
pad or topper. A
hand, creates another layer of padding, as does a topper. Ideally, if
your mattress is carefully chosen to suit your needs, you won’t need
any additional help to make it comfortable.


How to Choose your Mattress Protector

So what type of protector should you choose? You want the protector to
have the ability to wick away the moisture and heat emanating from the
body. A breathable fabric is the best for this. Less expensive options
feel more like plastic, and are not as breathable, but they are still
waterproof. Some people are concerned that a waterproof protector will
be crinkly and hot to sleep on. As long as the material used is at
least partially breathable, this should not be a concern. Polyurethane
(PU) is a waterproof membrane which is undetectable when you lie on it.
Actual plastic or rubber should be avoided, as these materials do not
allow the air to circulate, and therefore they can lead to overheating.
Mattress protectors on every bed in the home really are a necessity to
guard against stains and dust mites and to prolong the life and health
of the mattress and those who sleep on it. A stained mattress cannot be
exchanged, and this would be a great shame if for any reason you had a
legitimate reason to need to redeem the warranty. When buying a new
mattress, do not hesitate to purchase a protector at the same time, and
put it on as soon as you get home. You won’t even know it’s there, but
it will be providing an invaluable service.


Be sure to visit The Bed King for your mattress protectors to ensure your mattress has a better chance against dust mites and retains its warranty! The Bed King offers mattress protectors for all bed sizes!

Article source: https://thesleepshop.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-mattress-protectors/

Sunday 7 January 2018

Maximise your space with these functional design tips


Duality of design is the concept of using clever ideas to use the space in your home to its full potential. Here’s how you can use it.
The concept of duality in interior design is not a new one. Examples of this are sleeper couches and beds that fold away into walls in order to create the illusion of an extended floor space. However, over the years, this concept has become more concise and a lot more practical in terms of application.
Urban property developers, Blok, are huge advocates of duality in functional design within urban homes. They ensure that when they develop an idea, they incorporate spaces where the use of clever design leads to spaces being maximised to their full potential, which would normally be considered as passive space.
To give some insight into how to duplicate this technique in your own home, WAUW’s lead architect and member of Blok’s development team, Eric van den Berg, shares some tips:
“Firstly, look for dead corners or areas that take up a lot of floor space but serve only one function. Often open spaces such as entrance lobbies, passages and staircase landings could easily be used for another purpose such as a storage area,” says Van den Berg.
Eric also advises that no matter the size or shape of your space, all you need is a little imagination. “There are a number of ways you can use empty gaps. Try turning them into a study, bar, daybed or reading nook; the possibilities stretch as far as your creativity allows.”
He shares that people are not as set on hiding personal items away as they once were and are instead celebrating them in their homes. For example, hanging your bicycle or positioning your surfboard in your entrance hall, almost as an installation instead of functional equipment that must be stored away, is a clever use of those unused sections in your home, also known as a ’third spaces’.
Van den Berg continues, “The simpler the design, the more creative you can get. However, if the plan is less complicated, you will need to put a lot more thought into it. An example is turning the unused gap under a flight of stairs into a bar area, thus alleviating pressure from the kitchen or dining area and creating something that is entirely new.”
“In the end, if your unused space serves its original purpose and other functions whilst simultaneously adding to the character and design aesthetic of the rest of the home – you have a winner,” concludes Van den Berg.
For advice on the best beds and sleeper couches Cape Town has to offer - visit The Bed King here.