How to Eliminate Night Bed Bug Bites in Bed

Everyone has probably heard the saying, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” What some people don’t realize is that bed bugs are real. They are tiny, wingless bugs that like to hide in small cracks and crevices. They have flat bodies and are a reddish-brown color. Bed bugs are nocturnal and like to feast on human hosts while the hosts are sleeping. Good hygiene, clean bedding and mattress covers are great ways to prevent bed bugs. But, what are you supposed to do if you already have bed bugs?

1. Check around. Bed bugs like to hide in cracks and crevices that are close to where you sleep. The best places to check first are “tufts”, folds of mattresses and seams. Dark spots on your bedding or blood stains are also a good indication of a bed bug infestation.

2. See a specialist. It is important to seek the help of a specialist before going to any drastic measures. You probably want to see your doctor to confirm your bite marks. Bed bug bite marks usually appear in rows and can swell up to look like welt marks. You can also call in a bug specialist to see if they can locate the tiny creatures.

3. Sanitize. If you’ve identified that you do, in fact, have bed bugs, you need to sanitize everything. If you can afford it, throw your old mattress away and buy a completely new set. If money is tight, vacuum your mattress. Vacuuming your mattress can go a long way in helping to sanitize your mattress.

4. Don’t use an insecticide. Using an insecticide should never be used to get rid of bed bugs. Although it will kill the bed bugs, it will be harmful to you to sleep on the chemicals.

5. Wash it. Shampoo your mattress with a special mattress shampoo. Be sure to follow the manufacturers directions completely. Also, be sure to wash all clothing and bedding in extremely hot water. This will kill any remnants of bed bugs.

6. Vacuum it. Vacuum the mattress and your house thoroughly. Do it over and over and over again. You want to completely eliminate any signs or remnants of these bed bugs.

7. Exterminators. You can get rid of a small bed bug problem on your own. However, it is always best to call in the professionals. Professional exterminators can completely rid your entire home of bed bugs.

Bed bugs can infest your home in no time. The best thing to do if you think you have a bed bug infestation problem is to see a specialist and call in the professional exterminators. Don’t let bed bugs ruin your mattress or your home. Do what you can to remove the problem as soon as you can.

Reduce Bed Sores And Bed Ulcers

Patients who are on bed rest tend to get bed sores and bed ulcers. What is a bed ulcer or a pressure ulcer? It is an area of skin that breaks down after you stay in one position for too long, without shifting your weight. The area is affected when there is constant pressure against the skin. This pressure reduces the blood supply to that area and the affected tissue dies. You can get ulcers if you use a wheelchair, if you are bedridden or even after short periods of time.

There are different stages of bed sores and ulcers. Stage 1 is when the area is reddened and is “non-blanch-able.” This means that the area does not turn white when you press on it. This is the first sign that a bed sore or bed ulcer is forming. When the skin starts to blister or forms an open sore, the area has moved to stage 2. During stage 2, the area of skin around the affected area may also be red and irritated. Stage 3 is when there is a breakdown of the skin. When this occurs, the skin looks like a crater. This is because there is damage to the tissue that is below the skin. The last stage is stage 4. Stage 4 is extremely serious. It occurs when the ulcer or sore has become so deep that there is muscle or bone damage. In some rare cases, it can also cause tendon damage or joint damage.

If you suspect that you are getting a bed sore or bed ulcer for any reason, it is important that you take necessary steps immediately.

1. Relieve the pressure. You can use pillows, special foam cushions or lambs wool to reduce the pressure that has build up in that area.

2. Treat. Treat your wound according to what stage it is in. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with specific treatments based on your individual case.

2. Avoid further trauma or friction. Use baby powder on the sheets to help reduce friction. You can also go to a medical supply store to see what products they offer. Often times, a memory foam mattress or mattress topper is an excellent way to minimize increased pressure, trauma or friction.

3. Improve nutrition. Make sure you are eating well and getting the nutrition you need. This is an important step in helping your wounds to heal quickly.

4. The right products. As mentioned before, memory foam mattresses are the best mattresses to use if you need to be in bed for an extended period of time. These mattresses distribute your weight evenly and reduce pressure points drastically. Memory foam mattresses are the ideal mattresses to use to reduce friction and are commonly used for bedridden patients or patients who have undergone surgery.

Bed sores and bed ulcers can make your health condition worse. These forms of trauma can get very serious in a short amount of time. Make sure you take the necessary steps to prevent and reduce bed sores and bed ulcers. Using a memory foam mattress is the best way to prevent such wounds.

Six Easy Ways to Help Sleep Problems

Millions of people around the world suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder. There are many different factors that can affect some one’s sleeping patterns. Many people don’t realize how important sleep really is. The amount of sleep you get and the quality of sleep you get directly affects how productive you are from day to day. Don’t succumb to sleeping problems anymore. Follow these six ways to help relieve your sleep problems.

1. Relax and Unwind. Many people try going to bed when either their mind or their body is completely wired. Obviously, this can’t work well or effectively. Find things that will help your mind relax before going to bed. Try not watching T.V. or using the computer. The bright lights will actually stimulate your brain instead of helping it unwind.

2. No more caffeine. Caffeine is used by so many people to stay awake during the day and into the night. College students use it to help cram for a big test. Employees use it all the time to help them stay awake at work. Did you know that eating an apple will provide you with more energy than several cups of coffee? If you can’t give up your caffeine cold turkey, at least stop using it right before bed. This will give your body the chance to actually get tired.

3. Routines. Parents often get their newborn babies into a solid routine. This helps babies know what to expect from day to day. It also has been proven to help them sleep better and longer. The same is true for adults. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Go to bed at about the same time every night. Don’t sleep in either.

4. Optimization. Make sure that your bedroom is ready to be slept in. Dark rooms have been proven to provide a better sleep environment than rooms that let light in. It may also help to have white noise in your room. White noise is simply a soothing sound that helps eliminate other sounds that can stimulate your brain. A soft nature CD or fan can help your body relax.

5. Don’t eat. Don’t eat right before bed. This can slow down your body’s ability to digest food. It also keeps your body active instead of resting. Try not to eat at least an hour or two before your “bedtime.”

6. Your bed. Obviously, your bed is important in providing good quality sleep. If beds weren’t important, do you think we would sleep on them? Make sure your bed is comfortable to. You want to make sure that you don’t dread getting into your bed. It should be comfortable and provide the support that you need.

Follow these easy ways to help eliminate your sleep problems. You don’t have to go through your days feeling sluggish and worthless anymore. You deserve to wake up feeling well rested and ready to tackle anything.

Tips on How to Buy a Great Bed For You and Your Back

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of your life. The average person spends at least one-third of their life in bed. That is a ton of time, don’t you think? Most people don’t consider sleep important or vital to their health. It is absolutely crucial that you sleep on a good mattress that will give you the comfort and support you need. You won’t use any other piece of furniture as much. Nor will any other piece of furniture have such a lasting and powerful effect on your overall health.

People who suffer from chronic back or neck pain often say that they are in more pain when they don’t get a good night’s rest. What do you think is the most important part of your back that needs to be protected the most? That’s right…the spine. Your spine needs rest after a long day of moving, twisting and supporting your body. If you sleep on a worn-out mattress, or a mattress that isn’t supporting your spine completely, you are eventually going to feel the effects. There are several things to keep in mind when you go shopping for a new mattress. Here are some tips on how to buy a great bed for you and your back.

1. Type. There are so many different types of mattresses on the market today. You can choose from memory foam, innerspring, air, water beds, and latex mattresses. Latex mattresses, and the custom latex mattress have the highest overall customer satisfaction rating. Memory foam and luxury air mattresses come in close second. If you have back problems, you probably want to stay away from innerspring mattresses. Other mattresses will give your more comfort and support. Choose a mattress that provides optimal comfort and support for you.

2. Foundation or Box Spring. Many people don’t realize how important their mattress foundation is. You can’t buy a cheap box spring and expect it to provide you with quality support. Your box spring foundation is what absorbs weight and stress. Make sure to buy the foundation that is made to go with your mattress. There is a reason they are sold together, as a set. Choosing the right foundation will also help lengthen the life of your mattress.

3. Firmness. A common mattress myth is that “Firmer is better.” This isn’t necessarily the case. An extremely firm mattress does not provide even support for your entire body. Often times, firm mattresses only support your body’s heaviest parts. However, the reverse is just as dangerous. A soft mattress often sags in all the wrong places and distorts the spine. Make sure you get a mattress that isn’t too firm or too soft. You need a mattress that is firm enough and soft enough to allow all of your muscles to rest completely.

4. Comfort. Who wants to sleep on a mattress that isn’t comfortable? It is always miserable to sleep on a mattress where you can’t get comfortable or relax. Choose a mattress that is comfortable to you and your partner and make sure you both have enough room. Being scrunched or cramped certainly isn’t comfortable.

5. Durability. You want this mattress to last, right? There is a reason that you are spending good money on this mattress. You take so much time examining different mattresses, testing them out and you expect it to last more than a few years. Make sure that the mattress you buy is from a reputable manufacturer and uses the highest quality products.

These are helpful ways that can help you find “just the right mattress.” Remember, everyone is different and needs different levels of comfort and support. Don’t let the salesperson tell you what you need. Find out for yourself. Choose the right type of mattress that provides the right level of firmness and comfort. Make sure to get a good foundation that will help support your body while you sleep and prolong the life of your mattress. Follow these tips and you can be sure to buy a great bed for you and your back.

I guess the better question would have to be - How Do I Know If I Have A Bed Bug Bite?

Everyone wants to get a good night’s sleep. In fact, I have never met someone who doesn’t want to sleep well and feel well rested when they wake up. Some people aren’t able to get a good night’s sleep because their bed is completely infested with bed bugs. That’s right. Bed bugs aren’t some myth or old folktale. Here is a look at a typical bed bug:

Bed bugs, or cimes lectularius, are tiny, wingless insects. These bugs are found all over the world. In fact, there really isn’t a place where bed bugs aren’t. Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites. These means they are active during the nighttime in finding a human host. Bed bugs usually sleep during the day and feast on human hosts at night. Mattresses are the perfect house for bed bugs because there is always a source of food for them there.

Are you ready to learn more about bed bugs? Bed bugs have highly developed mouths. They use these mouths to
pierce human flesh and suck blood from human hosts. Usually, the bite itself is painless. In fact, often times the human host doesn’t recognize that they have bed bug bites for quite some time.

So, how do you know if you’ve been bitten by bed bugs? What do their bite marks look like? If you find large wheels or red marks, you have bed bugs. The red marks may only last for a few days. Chances are too that these marks are made in orderly rows. Mosquito bites are random but bed bug bites are usually strategic. Like mosquito bites, bed bug bites can also itchy. If you think you might be victim to bed bugs, try and find the bugs yourself or see a specialist (bed bugs like to hide in tiny cracks and crevices).

So what can you do to prevent bed bugs? Use a mattress cover.

Mattress covers are cheap and go a long way in preventing bed bugs, dust mites and other unwanted creatures. Mattress covers are usually hypoallergenic and prevent all forms of bed bugs. Usually, you can even wash your mattress covers. If you want to make sure that you aren’t sleeping with thousands of bed bugs, the best thing you can do is use a mattress cover. You can stay safe and your mattress will last a lot longer.

The Economy and Your Sleep

The downward-spiraling economy isn’t just on your mind. People around the country are beginning to loose sleep over financial situations, gas prices, bills, etc. It seems as though the Baby Boomer generation is suffering the worst. The Better Sleep Council (BSC) recently conducted a study to see the effect of the economy on sleep. They surveyed the U.S. Baby Boomer generation. This included men and women who were between the ages of 44 and 62.

The study found that three-fourths of American baby boomers are not getting the proper amount of sleep. This percentage of people said that they were not getting at least eight hours of sleep every night. Many of them blamed their sleepless nights on “economic, financial or family woes.” Currently, there are approximately eighty-two million baby boomers in the United States. One-sixth of these people reported chronic sleeping problems. These problems included having difficulty falling asleep every night of the week.

It isn’t news to anyone that our society today is, for the most part, sleep deprived. Baby boomers have expressed their desires to forgo other things in their lives simply to get a good night’s sleep. Twenty-seven percent of these people surveyed said that they would give up chocolate for a good night’s sleep. Another twenty-two percent said that they would put their cell phones on “silent” to enjoy the benefits on good sleep. These people didn’t just say they would try to give up these things. These people expressed their interest in giving up these things forever. As you can see, our society, specifically the baby boomer generation, is obviously in search of a good night’s sleep.

The Better Sleep Council has expressed the need for a good night’s sleep. Karin Dillner, the director of communication at the BSC recently said, “Quality sleep is vital to proper health and well-being at any age; it’s critical to look, feel and perform your best.” The BSC recommends sleeping in a dark bedroom that is quiet, comfortable, uncluttered, free of laptops and t.v., and cool. It is also to reassess your individual sleeping needs often. As you get older, your sleeping patterns will change. You will require more comfort and support as you age too.

Don’t let the economy ruin your night’s sleep. Yes, there are many things that are worrisome in our society today. But, if you lose sleep over those things, you won’t be able to handle life’s changes in the days to come. Make sure that you are getting the rest you need to perform at your best. Don’t let anything come in the way of the quality of sleep that you need.

When should you replace your pillow and mattress?

Deep cleaning goes beyond the bathroom and kitchen. When was the last time you deep cleaned your bedroom? Not sure exactly how to go about deep cleaning your bedroom? Start with your bed. When was the last time you got a new pillow? How old is your mattress? These can be very important questions to ask yourself often. When it comes time to deep clean, make sure your mattress and pillow are included.

You need to replace your pillows at least every year. Nobody really thinks about what goes on with pillows. When you use your pillow every night, your hair and body oil can seep into its fabric. The more hair and body oil your pillow has, the more likely it is to attract bacteria and dust mites. You can use pillow protectors that can prolong the life of your pillow. Even still, you need to replace your pillow every other year.

How long should your mattress last? A good quality mattress should last between 9 and 10 years. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that everyone replaces their mattress at least every 10 years. If you don’t sleep well, your mattress may be to blame. If you aren’t getting a good quality of sleep, you should consider replacing your mattress every 5 to 7 years. Oklahoma State University conducted a study that proved that you should replace you mattress every 5 years if you aren’t sleeping well. Their study found that people who replaced their mattress every 5 years had less back pain and slept significantly better than those who didn’t.

Most people don’t think about replacing their pillow and mattresses. But, if you want to get a better quality of sleep, you need to replace your pillow every year and your mattress at least every 10 years. If you use a pillow protector, you can get away with replacing your pillow every other year. If you aren’t sleeping as good on your mattress as you used to, you may want to consider replacing that earlier than the 10 year recommendation. Think about these things the next time its your turn to do some deep cleaning.

Tips on How to Buy a Great Bed For You and Your Back

If you suffer from back pain, you know how crucial it is to have the right mattress. Living with back pain can be debilitating enough without having your mattress add more problems. In fact, many times a bad mattress is to blame for people with back problems. A bad mattress can lead to improper support, improper spinal alignment, poor blood circulation and poor pressure relief. It is so important that you have the perfect mattress if you suffer from chronic back pain. Here are some tips on how to buy a great bed for you and your back.

1. Medical grade. If you have chronic back pain, whether it is your upper back or your lower back, it may be in your best interest to choose a medical grade mattress. These mattresses are specially designed to alleviate pressure points and correct your body’s alignment while sleeping. They cost around $2250 but are worth every penny. Remember, you have never seen and will never see a Serta mattress in the hospital. Serta, Sealy, Stearns and Foster, etc are not designed to offer support to back pain patients. It is going to take a higher quality mattress to relieve your back, shoulder and neck pain.

2. No more coils. Coils just aren’t going to cut it for you anymore. Most likely, the coils have been part of the problem and may have even caused your back pain. No matter how “wrapped” they are, coils will never align your body properly and cannot relieve your pressure points.

3. Memory foam.

Memory foam mattresses work great among back pain patients. The memory foam helps distribute your weight evenly and helps to minimize pressure points. Memory foam also conforms to your body shape. Make sure you get a genuine, high-quality memory foam mattress to ensure that you will give your back the support it needs.

4. Air mattresses.

Air mattresses also work well for people who have back problems. Air mattresses also distribute your weight evenly. The more evenly your weight is distributed, the less pressure points you have. Air mattresses also help because you can choose what firmness you want. Be careful with this though. Make sure that your back is being fully supported.

5. Latex mattresses.

Latex mattresses combine the benefits from memory foam mattresses and air mattresses. They offer ideal support for people with back problems. They also have a faster response time, making it much easier to change positions. Latex mattresses are more expensive, but are well worth it. Latex mattress owners all agree that these mattresses offer the right amount of comfort and support.

Keep in mind that spinal alignment and pressure relief and the most important factors when trying to find a mattress to help with your back pain. SAT, Essentia, Tempur-Pedic, and Select Comfort have been proven to be the best mattress brands for people with back pain. All of these beds offer the right amount of pressure relief, support and alignment. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your next mattress.

Rocky Mountain Mattress wants to know through this little un official poll we are conducting - Which is best for you, i.e. stomach, side or back?

The way you sleep at night can have a profound impact on your health and how you feel when you wake up. Sleeping positions can also show a correlation between the way you sleep and your personality. Studies have shown that sleeping on your stomach with your arms extended by your head aids in digestion. Sleeping on your back leads to a bad night’s rest and snoring. Take a look at the different sleeping positions and the affect they have on your personality.

If only we could all sleep like a baby huh?

Fetal Position-In this position, you lie curled up in a ball and clench a pillow. This is the most popular sleeping position. It represents someone who is appears to be tough on the outside, but it shy and sentitive on the inside.

Soldier Position-You sleep in the soldier position if you lie flat on your back with your arms directly at your sides. This sleeping position represents someone who sets high standards for themselves and those around them, but remains quiet and reserved. It leads to poor sleep and snoring.

Starfish Position-If you lie flat on your back with your arms and legs extended, you sleep in the starfish position. Although it indicates a good listener and someone who makes friends easily, it also leads to poor sleep and snoring.

Freefall Position-This is not a very common sleeping position. This sleeping position is where you lie flat on your stomach with your arms by your head or ears. It represents someone who is brash and gregarious outwardly. However, criticism makes them very nervous and sensitive inwardly. Although this is not a common sleeping position, it has been found to aid in digestion.

Log Position-Do you lie on your sides with your arms by your sides and your legs extended? If you do, you sleep in the common log position. This position indicates that you are social and easygoing.

Yearner Position-This position is similar to the log position, but with your arms extended as well. It indicates someone who is cynical and suspicous.

Take a look at these common sleeping positions. Which sleeping position do you favor? Let us know how you sleep. Take the poll below by leaving a comment and letting us know your favorite sleeping position.

Fetal Position
Soldier Position
Starfish Position
Freefall Position
Log Position
Yearner Position

What position do you like sleeping in that is … what did you think this post was going to be about? Being in the mattress industry I often wonder how do most people sleep, i.e. side, stomach, or back sleepers … so I did some research.

Before I get into it, I wanted to share a picture of a funny sleeping position:

Did you know there is a correlation between the position you sleep in and your personality? It may sound wacky, but it is actually true. The Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service recently conducted a study to show the correlation. They found that as a person chooses a certain sleeping position, it shows their subconscious body language, which affects their personality traits. The SAAS conducted the study by choosing a large number of random, hotel guests.

They identified six major sleeping positions. These are the fetal position, the soldier position, the starfish position, the freefall position, and log position and the yearner position. Interestingly enough, these positions did, in fact, relate to their individual personality traits.

Over 51 percent of the women that participated in the study slept in the fetal position. Forty-one percent of all participants slept like this. They curled up on their sides and clenched a pillow. This sleeping position leads to a person who is shy and sensitive, although they tend to hide behind a tough exterior to the rest of the world.

Eight percent of the participants slept in the soldier position. They laid flat on their backs with their arms directly at their sides. This position indicates that the person is quiet and reserved. Although they are quiet, they set high standards for themselves and those around them. Five percent of people slept in the starfish position. These people were found lying on their back with their arms and legs outstretched. These people tend to be those who are good listeners and who could make friends easily. In addition, these people do not like to be the center of attention.

The study found seven percent of people in the freefall position. These people laid on their stomachs with their arms near their ears or head. The freefall position indicates someone who makes brash decision, yet is inwardly nervous about criticism. Fifteen percent of people slept in the log position. They laid on their sides with their legs extended and their arms at their sides. These people have proved to be easygoing and very social. Thirteen percent of people slept in the yearner position. This is similar to the log position but with the arms extended as well. This sleeping position proves to lead to a cynical and suspicious personality.

The SAAS did not only link sleeping positions to personality traits. The study also showed what sleeping positions affect one’s health. They found the freefall position to aid in digestion. The starfish position and the soldier position led to a bad night’s rest and snoring.

As you can see, over seventy-nine percent of the participants slept on their sides. Thirteen percent of people slept on their backs. Only seven percent of people slept on their stomachs. Take a look at how you sleep and if this study proves the link between your sleep and your personality.