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Our top tips for choosing a bed size

There are many situations that create the need for a new bed. Maybe you and your significant other are moving in together for the first time, or maybe you’re a parent, and you noticed your child’s feet hanging off the end of their bed. These are just a few of the many events that will inspire you to start shopping around. When this time comes, you’ll have to answer the question “What bed size should I get?”

Considerations when choosing a bed

  1. Who will be sleeping in it?

To help narrow down your options, let’s first think about who will use the bed. Is it for you and/or your partner, a child, guests that come to visit, or someone else? Think about how many people it needs to accommodate.

  • Children and teens can easily sleep on a single mattress, though often appreciate the width of a double or queen mattress.
  • While double mattresses can suit an adult or guests in a pinch, it’s often more comfortable to offer a queen mattress in case two people need to sleep on the mattress. If deciding between the two, let your room size be your guide (see below).
  • Singles and smaller couples find they have plenty of room on a queen mattress. One helpful hint: this size is often the most common in retail showrooms, so you can easily judge its size by visiting a retailer near you.
  • King mattresses are good options for taller people or for couples who prefer extra room, especially if little ones like to hop into bed with mum or dad.
  1. How much space is available?

Next, how much space do you have? This is obviously very important as the bed will need to fit comfortably into the room where it will be used. Consider the amount of space required for comfortable living, factoring in clearance for doors and drawers, walking around the perimeter of your bed frame and other furnishings., and leaving enough room to rotate your mattress without hitting walls. About 75–90 cm clearance or more on 2-3 sides is ideal.

  1. How much can you spend?

Like any major purchase, you need to set a budget. Beds can range widely in price depending on a few factors. As can be expected, the larger the bed, the more it will cost. However, you will run into other variables including the craftsmanship of the bed and the quality of the mattress. To ensure you find the right fit, run the numbers and identify your spending allowance up front.

  1. What are your current and future needs?

Lastly, be sure to consider your current needs as well as your potential needs for the years to come. For example, you may be thinking of purchasing a Single bed for your child. However, a few years down the road, they are likely going to outgrow it and need more room. With that in mind, you may want to consider a Three Quarter or a Double. This can help you to save money in the long run.

Bed size options

Below are mattress measurements for each Sealy bed size. It can be helpful to get an understanding for how a bed will fit into your room by marking out the dimensions on the floor using tape. Then you will be able to visually see which sizes will fit well.

  • Single – 915mm x 1880mm
  • Three Quarter – 1070mm x 1880mm
  • Double – 1370mm x 1880mm
  • Queen – 1520mm x 1880mm
  • King – 1830mm x 1880mm
  • Extra length (2000mm) is available on request

Interesting fact: Two adults sleeping in a double bed is really quite a squeeze. The width of a double bed is 1370mm, which means the shared space for each adult is much less than what they would have if they slept alone in a single bed (915mm).

Whether you want to buy online or try out a bed in store, the Sealy website is the best place to start. Use our Handy Store Locator to find the Sealy retailer closest to where you are, or Click Here to shop online offers.

 

A Sealy adjustable bed: The Rolls Royce of beds

Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as more people discover their many benefits. In addition to comforts such as varied head and foot positions, a wireless remote control, massage options, and much more, an adjustable bed can help increase blood flow, decrease snoring and add optimal support for sore joints and other ailments.

Adjustable beds were initially associated only with hospitals and health care, however that has changed significantly and these beds have evolved into luxurious and stylish additions for any home. If you’re serious about sleep, then investigate the benefits of an adjustable bed. They’re like the Rolls Royce of beds.

If you suffer from any of the following, an adjustable bed could make the world of difference:

  • Chronic pain
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Discomfort from recent back or neck surgery
  • Can only really get comfortable in an inclined position, such as when seated in a recliner

The ability to adjust either the head or foot of the bed, or both, and to sleep inclined with a steady level of support can help ease discomfort and facilitate better sleep. For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, sleeping slightly inclined and with the right support can help minimise joint compression and provide a more comfortable sleep.

Adjustable beds can also improve blood circulation, help minimise snoring, and provide optimal support for sore joints.

The Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Power Base comes with a wireless remote, the option to programme custom positions as well as pre-set TV and zero-gravity positions. Other features of this world-class bed include a powerlift motor with a 270kg lifting capacity, LCD clock, alarm function, flashlight, indirect lighting, free-fall design safety feature, and a dual, variable-intensity massage function.

What is the “zero-gravity” position?

The zero-gravity position is often associated with adjustable beds – it’s one of the greatest benefits of these beds – but it was NASA who identified the benefits of this sleep position. This position is used to support the spines and bodies of astronauts as a spacecraft leaves the earth’s surface.

In zero-gravity, the head is raised slightly, and the knees are slightly bent as the legs are raised to about heart level. This position encourages relaxation as gravity is evenly distributed throughout the body.

 

Are you tired but can’t sleep because of partner disturbance?

Is your partner’s night-time behaviour keeping you up at night? Tossing and turning, snoring, frequently waking up and even mismatched bedtimes could result in you waking up several times a night. If you feel tired but can’t sleep because of these night-time disturbance’s, continue reading because we have some tips that might help.

Recurring sleep disturbance is one of the most common complaints of couples who share a bed, with women being the most frequently disturbed. These four tips will help combat those disruptive nights:

  • Buy a bigger duvet

Fighting over the covers – especially during winter – can leave you irritable, COLD and awake! The solution is buy a duvet that is bigger than your bed. It means there’s more duvet to go around and you can also tuck it under your mattress to help keep the duvet in place.

  • Stop the snoring

This is a tricky one to address. Snoring is caused by a combination of lifestyle factors such as poor diet, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol before bed. Snoring can also be influenced by sleep position, so if your snoring partner is sleeping on his or her back, try to convince them to sleep on their side. There are also anti-snoring devices and pillows you can invest in.

  • Consider a “sleep divorce”

Many couples report that sleeping in separate rooms has not only improved the quality of sleep but also their relationship. This is not surprising when you consider that a lack of sleep can make a person irritable and irrational. Of course, if you choose to sleep in different bedrooms, it’s important that you make the additional effort to keep the intimacy in your relationship.

  • Invest in a new mattress – or two

It’s worthwhile considering investing in a new mattress. If your mattress is old with broken springs and sagging foam, not only does it interrupt your sleep but you will also feel all your partner’s movements.

Sealy mattress technology has changed and developed so much over the years and if you’re sleeping on a bed that’s 10 years or older, you might be pleasantly surprised by the comfort levels available now. For example, the Sealy la difference mattress range features  the PostureTech PRO encased Coil-in- Coil inner spring system which adapts constantly and subtly to your weight and body shape as you move in your sleep. While this doesn’t totally eliminate partner disturbance, it does minimise it greatly. Click here to find out more about the la difference mattress range.

Another option is to have two different mattresses on the same bed. Then you can still sleep in the same room, and have different comfort levels and you won’t be disturbed by your partner tossing and turning.

 

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Lower back pain is so common that up to 30 to 40 percent of South Africans will experience this discomfort at some point in their lives. However, you don’t have to live with back pain. Lower back pain can be successfully treated with non-invasive methods, and in fact it might be as simple as investing in the best mattress for back pain.

Back pain not only impacts your waking hours, but it also leads to restless sleep and tiredness in the morning. There are many reasons that can cause and contribute to back pain, but most people don’t realise that their mattress could be contributing to the problem.

Not only do we need the right amount of sleep but also the right mattress to rest our bodies on. The best mattress for back pain allows for proper spinal alignment, which encourages muscles to relax. However, with such a wide selection of mattresses available, it’s difficult to know exactly which mattress will help.

In the past, if you were suffering from lower back pain you were advised to invest in a firm mattress, however this is no longer the case. A recent study of people with low back pain showed that those who slept on a hard mattress had the poorest sleep quality. This is because a mattress that is too firm is unable to support your spine. However, a bed that is too soft can also contribute to pain.

The best mattress for back pain is designed by orthopedics

The best mattress allows for full support of the spine, and targets pressure relief. Mattresses with  Posturepedic Technology™ are designed by orthopedics to support every part of your body and offers the following benefits:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct support with a superior edge support system.
  • A system where everything works together to give you the same great comfort and support for a long time: extra durability that repays your investment day after day.

However, the truth is that there is no single recommendation for the best mattress for back pain. It’s a highly personal decision and the best bet is to spend some time actually testing out different beds, spending at least 10 minutes lying down on each bed to get a feel for it.

Adjustable beds are a game changer when it comes to quality sleep. Sealy Posturematic Adjustable Base beds come with customised head and foot adjustment options, a dual massage function, a flashlight and an LCD Clock.

Other tips for better sleep with back pain

  • Try sleep in a different position and use a pillow to support different body parts. If you’re a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, place the pillow underneath your knees.
  • Try not to sleep on your stomach because this sleep position puts extra strain on your spine.
  • Make sure your pillow is at a comfortable height and not creating too much pressure on your neck. Your pillow should be placed under your head and neck, not your shoulders.

A ‘Lovilee’ look at hygge just before winter arrives

We know there’s still a few warm weeks left before the big chill officially sets in but failing to prepare is preparing to fail – which is why we teamed up with the author of the Lovilee blog, KaRi, to find out exactly what it takes to create a warm and cozy bedroom, just in time for winter.

In her blog post, ‘The best kept secret to a beautiful room’, KaRi explains that she likes to evoke the feeling of ‘hygge’ in her bedroom. What exactly is hygge, you ask? Hygge is a Danish practice and it’s about creating a feeling of coziness, comfort and contentment. That sounds about right for a cozy bedroom!

KaRi provides some tips on how to decorate your room to create a feeling of intimacy and warmth, the kind of place where you want to snuggle up and relax. Of course, it doesn’t matter how many fluffy blankets you buy or how much mood lighting you invest in, if your mattress is old and lumpy, you won’t be able to get too comfy.

A cozy bedroom starts with a comfy mattress

Sealy is synonymous across South Africa with quality mattresses. Sealy Posturepedic Technology™ supports your life by providing:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct support with a superior edge support system.
  • A system where everything works together to give you the same great comfort and support for a long time: extra durability that repays your investment day after day.

If you’re serious about hygge this winter, start with your mattress first. Browse the Sealy South Africa website to find the right mattress for your needs.

(Pic credit: Hello Love Photography)

Are you a sleep deprived new parent? Read this

According to a study released last year, new parents can expect to lose sleep for six years after the birth of their child. As a father to two young children, South African blogger, the Don Father, understand what it feels like to be sleep deprived!

In a recent collaboration with Sealy South Africa, Don shared some of his family’s tried and tested tips for getting more sleep. “It’s a fact: Life will be a bit chaotic for the first few months. But new parenthood is not the time to try to live up to the unrealistic ideal of the ‘perfect parent’,” he writes in this blog post on The Don Father blog.

This is an important point. Even if the baby or child is sleeping, parents will sometimes be kept awake by their worries and anxieties, or simply planning for the next day, week or month. Results from the parents and sleep study, showed that while parents’ sleep patterns did improve significantly over time. But, to some degree, sleep disruption continued even six years out, regardless of parental income or whether a mother or father was raising a child alone or with a partner. If you’re feeling sleep deprived, you’re not alone

Sealy understands family sleep

Of course, if there’s a brand that understands family sleep, it’s Sealy! That’s why we craft mattresses for the entire family – whether it’s a single bed or an extra length king sized bed for the whole family. And it’s not only the bigger people we cater for, did you know Sealy also produces baby and cot mattresses? Our cot mattress (132cm x 66cm x 10cm) gently cradles your baby from day one, while our baby mattress (140cm x 70cm x 10cm) is recommended for a small child under the age of four. Both mattresses come with a free mattress protector.

 

 

Why deep sleep is important

You may have heard that you need to get eight hours of sleep, but when you’re talking about sleep, the quality matters as much as how long you sleep.  Throughout the night you go through different stages of sleep.  Deep sleep is what allows you to wake up refreshed.

Cycles of sleep

Stage 1– During the first stage of sleep, your body starts to relax. Bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat slow down and your muscles relax and your brain waves begin to slow down.

Stage 2– This stage encompasses half of your sleep cycle. You fall into this stage of sleep more than any of the others. During this stage your body continues to relax, your brain waves are much slower with short periods of activity, your eye movements stop and your body temperature drops.

Stages 3 and 4– These stages are considered deep sleep stages.  This is where your body is in the deepest state of relaxation and brain waves are at their slowest.  At this stage, it’s hard to wake up, and you don’t even wake up with loud noises.

Your body stays in deep sleep the longest during the first few cycles.  As the night progresses the deep sleep cycle gets shorter.

Stage 5– This last stage is REM sleep.

Why Stage 3 and 4 sleep is important

Sleep stages 3 and 4 facilitate several processes in the body.  During these stages, the brain metabolises glucose which helps with memory and overall learning.  These are the other benefits of deep sleep:

  • Promotes growth and repair of tissues and bones
  • Cells regenerate
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Increases blood supply to the muscles
  • Restores energy

Deep sleep is a vital part of your body healing itself so you are healthy.

Deterrent to deep sleep

There are many things that can cause you not to fall into sleep stages 3 and 4.  One of the main contributors is your mattress. When your mattress is not comfortable, it doesn’t allow your body to fall into a deep sleep because your body can’t get comfortable enough to relax.  You may toss and turn which keeps your body alert.

If you are waking up tired all the time, even after getting the right amount of sleep, you might not be getting enough good sleep, and you may need to look at your mattress as the culprit.  A good mattress supports your body and allows it to relax and fall into a deep sleep.

Having the right mattress can make all the difference with feeling more energetic as well as keeping you healthy.  Now that you know how important deep sleep is, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your mattress and how you feel after a “good night’s sleep”.

 

 

Sleep: Your most important New Year’s resolution

Adding this one New Year’s resolution to your list will help ensure you achieve all the other resolutions: Sleep more. We’re talking approximately eight hours per night!

Nothing compares to the benefits of getting enough sleep. In fact, studies have shown that inadequate sleep over time can shorten your lifespan. Trading sleep to cram more into the day increases your risk of developing serious medical conditions, especially when you factor in additional bad habits of poor nutrition and lack of exercise.

Reducing sleep from the recommended eight hours per night by two to three hours can have dramatic consequences to your health.

Risk of sleeping only six to seven hours

  • Cardiovascular disease – Missing just an hour or two per night is associated with a greatly increased risk of coronary artery calcification which is a predictor of future heart attacks.
  • Common cold and immune function – If you get less than seven hours of sleep per night you are about three times as likely to get a common cold. Studies have shown that people who get eight hours of sleep are also less likely to come down with cold symptoms.

Risk of sleeping six hours or less

  • Obesity – Several studies have shown a correlation of obesity and lack of sleep. People who sleep less than 6 hours per night are more likely to have excess body weight. So, if weight loss is another one of your New Year’s resolutions be sure to add getting eight hours of sleep to the top of your list.

Risk of sleeping five hours or less

  • Diabetes – Sleeping fewer than five hours have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while sleeping eight hours can have positive influences on blood sugar control for those who already have it.
  • High Blood Pressure – Sleeping less than five hours per night puts you at risk of developing or worsening high blood pressure.

 

An analysis of data from three separate studies suggests that sleeping five or fewer hours
per night may increase mortality risk by as much as 15 percent. – Harvard Medical Study

After several days of missing sleep your body begins to give you signals, such as feeling tired and irritable, with some serious side effects such as brain fog and inability to concentrate or make decisions. This means if being more productive is one of your New Year’s resolutions, getting enough sleep should be at the top of your list.

Tips for getting enough sleep

It will take more than a New Year’s resolution to change your sleeping habits.  Here are some tips that will help you make the change to better health and longer life:

  • Set your internal body clock by creating a regular sleep schedule.
  • Wind down before bedtime.
  • Make your bedroom a relaxing environment.
  • Keep a sleep diary so you can review your habits.
  • Check the comfort of your mattress.

Simple solution

Replacing your mattress for a more comfortable mattress just might be the best purchase you make for your health.

It may be time to replace your old mattress for one that is more comfortable if you:

  • Wake up tired
  • Suffer from allergies from the dust that collects on old mattresses
  • Have back or body aches
  • Just can’t get comfortable

The type of mattress you choose depends on your personal needs.  There are mattresses for side sleepers versus back sleepers, those that give back pain relief, and those designed to be orthopedic.

Adding the goal of “Getting eight hours of sleep” to your New Year’s resolution list and investing in a comfortable mattress could be a life changer for the coming year.

The gift of sleep: A comfortable mattress

It’s that time of the year again.  Family, presents and traditions.   As you rush around buying gifts for your friends and loved ones, don’t forget about yourself.  All throughout the year we often think about everyone but ourselves.  This holiday season, the best thing you can do is give yourself the gift of sleep with a comfortable mattress.

A new mattress may be just the thing you need to kickstart the new year. Since we spend half our lives sleeping, a good mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep.  When you don’t get good quality sleep you will feel tired all the time and you’ll be less productive, your health will be impacted negatively, you will have difficulty dealing with stress and you might gain weight.

Getting the right quality of sleep may be the ticket you need to have a more successful year in 2020.

The life of a mattress depends on how you sleep, the bed cover you use and how often it’s turned.  Take a look at the mattress you have, and ask yourself the following:

  • Are you still tired when you wake up?
  • Do you toss and and turn all night?
  • Is your mattress sagging?

If you feel it’s time for a new, comfortable mattress, here are the main types of mattress available.  Mattress technologies have changed over the last 10 years to help you get good quality sleep.

Finding a comfortable mattress: Discover the latest sleep tech

Innerspring mattress

This technology has been around the longest.  An innerspring mattress uses steel coils for support.  Sealy has advanced the technology of the innerspring to make it even more comfortable than what the old innerspring mattresses used to be.

The Sealy Collection has an advanced Double Offset spring with a Low Profile pocket system that offers pressure relief and reinforced support in the areas of the body that need it the most.  There is a firmness for every preference with comfort layers designed to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Innerspring memory foam hybrid mattress

An innerspring hybrid mattress as the name implies is a combination of memory foam and an innerspring system.

Sealy’s hybrid mattress is a combination of Coolsmart Gel Memory Foam or Dual Plex Hybrid Foam on the top layers for comfort and offset pocket springs for support and to minimising motion transfer.  Coolsmart Gel Memory Foam will keep your body cooler at night when you sleep, which helps you sleep more soundly.

Pillowtop

The pillowtop mattress takes the innerspring mattress to a new level.  A pillowtop has an extra layer on top for comfort.  The mattress has a noticeable layer on the top that looks like there is a pillow sewn on top of it.

Sealy’s Crown Jewel collection and la différence collection have every detail you need to get a good night’s sleep.  When you lay on these luxurious mattresses, you can feel the comfort and craftsmanship that went into making them.

Other sleep accessories

If you don’t need a mattress or can’t afford to buy one, there are other accessories that can help you get a good night’s sleep.

  • Pillows

A pillow is important to get the right support for your head, neck, and shoulders.  You may need a new pillow if your current one:

  • Feels saggy or lumpy
  • Shows visible signs of dirt or smells like sweat
  • Doesn’t feel the same as when you bought it

Your pillow should be replaced every one to two years.  Sealy offers a variety of pillows to help you sleep comfortably.

  • Sheets

Soft breathable cotton sheets go a long way to making you comfortable and helping you sleep better.  A good quality sheet will not bunch up when you sleep and can keep your body temperature even.

Getting the right quality sleep is good for your health, productivity and success.  Make 2020 the best year yet and give yourself the gift of sleep.  Invest in a comfortable mattress – you deserve it!

 

Poor sleep quality can affect your salary

There may be several reasons why you’re not getting good quality sleep including not having a bedtime routine, drinking caffeine late in the day and looking at your phone, computer or television before going to bed.  But did you know that not getting enough sleep could also affect your salary?

Better rested employees are more productive and could earn a higher salary because of it.

Why sleep is important to your work performance

  • Brain function

Sleep is important for your brain because it rests while you sleep and prepares for the next day. As you sleep, your brain forms new neuropathways, which helps with learning and problem-solving.

When you don’t get enough sleep, you may not be able to focus on tasks or find solutions to problems. You may also have problems getting along with friends or co-workers because lack of sleep makes you irritable. 

Not getting enough sleep also makes you feel stressed out more easily and you lack the motivation to do your work. 

  • Physical health

When you sleep your body goes through a healing process.  This includes the repair of your heart and blood vessels.  People who continually don’t get enough sleep, are at more at risk for heart disease, diabetes, kidney malfunction, and stroke.

Sleep also keeps your hormones balanced.  When you don’t get enough sleep, your hunger hormones are out of balance you eat more because you feel hungry.  Poor sleep quality also affects how your body handles insulin and as a result blood sugar tends to be higher increasing your risk for developing diabetes.

  • Daytime productivity

Most importantly, people who have a deficiency of sleep have problems at work or school. Losing even a small amount of sleep each night can cause you to make more mistakes and take longer to do your tasks, which affects your job performance.

Productivity and top job performance are important to your livelihood.  If you work in the medical field, for instance, there is no room for mistakes or a lack of concentration as someone’s life could be at stake.

One of the most important factors for sleep quality: Your mattress

One important factor that affects your sleep quality is often overlooked. This is the mattress you sleep on.  Having the right mattress is important to getting good sleep. If you don’t have a good mattress, you could be losing sleep and not know it.

Now that you know how important sleep is, how do you know if you need a new mattress?  Typically mattresses last between five and 10 years.

You may need a new mattress if:

  • You’re tired all the time
  • You toss and turn all night
  • Your current mattress is sagging
  • You can’t get comfortable on your mattress
  • It’s just as easy to fall asleep on the sofa or floor as it is the bed

Here are some tips for choosing the right mattress:

  • Your body should be distributed evenly across the sleeping surface
  • While laying down, your body should be well supported across the shoulders, hips, back, and ribs
  • Your spine should be aligned in a neutral position with the rest of your body
  • Type of mattress (memory foam, gel, spring coil, pillow-top, etc.)

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping.  Sleeping is important to health, work productivity and our relationships.  Having the right mattress is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep and being the healthier, more productive person you want to be… which just might translate into a higher salary.

Note from CEO