Mattresses
FAQs in the Category "Mattresses"
1. Are memory foam mattresses harmful for small kids (aged 3-10)?
There is no evidence that memory mattresses are harmful for children. Each single mattress must be evaluated based on the quality of its components, such as:
• fabric and padding used in the lining of the mattress;
• density and thickness of the viscoelastic foam (memory foam) used to make the core of the mattress.
Moreover the presence of the “Oeko Tex Standard 100” mark on the material which is contained in kids’mattresses, assures the absence of harmful and dangerous products to health.
2. Do mattresses for overweight people exist?
Yes, we offer different rigidities for the majority of the mattress models, of which the highest one can satisfy these requests.
For very sturdy people, we have introduced new spring mattresses with the innovative XXL suspension, made specifically to satisfy overweight people.
Among the mattresses most appreciated by our clients with such request, are the Balance De Luxe mattress with XXL stiffness, the Hypoallergenic Balance with XXL rigidity and the Balance Merinos Wool-Cotton with XXL stiffness.
3. How can I clean the mattress?
For an always hygienic mattress, it is essential to have a removable (through zipper) and washable lining.
With regular washing of the lining at high temperatures in a washing machine, and by airing the mattress constantly, it can be said that a mattress is clean also with the passing of time.
4. How can I distinguish the winter side of the mattress from the summer side?
To verify which is the winter side of the mattress check for the tag with the “wool” or “winter side” on one of the 2 sides of the mattress: in this way you will have identified the side with wool, and therefore the winter side.
5. How is the natural latex which you use in the production of your mattresses obtained?
The realization of this type of mattresses contemplates the use of a latex that is found in nature, which is a white lymph composed of rubber (organic polymers) and water. It is a lymph obtained from the rubber tree “Hevea Brasiliensis”.
However this lymph alone cannot be turned into rubber without the help of other substances: it is in fact mixed with foaming and vulcanizing agents.
This mixture is injected into a mold and is brought to high temperatures until the process of vulcanization happens and it then turns into a liquid substance of rubbery material.
6. How many springs must a good mattress have?
According to our experience a good spring mattress (with Bonnel system) must contain at least 200 springs for each single mattress, with a thickness of at least 13 cm.
All spring mattresses in our online catalogue have at least 200 springs for each single mattress. As for spring mattresses with independent springs (pocketed) we believe that the number of springs should be at least 400 for each single mattress.
All mattresses with independent springs suggested in our catalogue have at least 400 springs for each single mattress. Remember, the higher the number of springs the higher are the sustaining points for the body and the less stress do the springs suffer during the product’s lifespan.
All Manifattura Falomo’s independent pocketed spring mattresses present a perimetric internal steel frame of containment to grant a superior stability and crushproof.
7. How often do I have to change a mattress? How can I tell if my mattress needs to be changed?
On average, a mattress must be changed every 8-10 years, if it is of good quality. To evaluate if it is time to change it, ask yourselves these questions:
• do I have back pains when I wake up?
• does the mattress have deformations or anomalous sags?
• when I lie down, are there areas where I feel an excessive sinking?
• is the cover of the mattress worn out?
If some of these conditions apply, then probably the mattress needs to be changed with a new one so as not to compromise the quality of sleep.
We also remind you that various researches confirm that during a night’s rest the body expels up to 500 gr of perspiration and skin flakes and, despite them being absorbed by the sheets and the mattress cover, it is inevitable for a small portion to deposit in the mattress.
This creates, through the years, the ideal habitat for the proliferation of dust mites.
8. How often do I have to turn the mattress upside-down and head to foot?
In general, all mattresses must be turned over and rotated regularly for a more uniform wearing through time.
To guarantee a uniform usury of the mattress, it should be turned upside down and head to foot every 3/4 months and aired every 2 months.
Keeping in mind the typology of the mattress:
• spring mattresses: as a premise, this category of traditional spring and independent spring mattresses are among the most breathable ones due to the fact that the spring structure, with each minimal movement, causes air movement on its inside. The suggestion for this typology is therefore to turn the mattress upside down and head to foot every 3/4 months to grant a more uniform usury.
• latex mattresses: to grant a uniform usury but, mostly, a good aeration of the core, we believe a latex mattress should be turned head to foot approximately every month and upside down every 3/4 months . We also remind you that latex mattresses must be aired, not exposing them to direct sunlight.
• polyfoam and viscoelastic mattresses: to grant a uniform usury, this typology of mattresses must be turned upside-down and head to foot every 3/4 months and aired every 2 months. Note: in case you live in a house with a high level of humidity we suggest airing the mattress more frequently than previously suggested.
Some particular models of mattresses are exceptions, as they were created to be used on one side and for sleeping in one only direction, as for example Relaxody.
9. I have hip and leg problems, which is the ideal mattress for me?
Often hip and leg pains can be relieved with the right mattress. For this reason we recommend extremely delicate and soft surfaced mattresses.
The models of mattresses studied to alleviate these problems and which have satisfied our clients are Kuschelmed, Kuschelmed De Luxe and Memory Soy mattresses, capable of reducing excessive compressions, which are often the cause of such pains.
10. I often ‘wake up still tired’, could it be because of the mattress?
Yes, you might be resting on a mattress that is not appropriate for your body features.
Waking up tired could also be a sign that you might need to change your old mattress, as it may no longer perform adequately from a comfort point of view.
11. I sleep on my stomach, which is the ideal mattress for me?
Our suggestion is to buy a mattress that is not excessively soft on the lumbar area, since while sleeping in a prone position our vertebral column tends to hyperlordosis, which is an excessive curving of the lumbar area that can cause pain when you awake.
We further suggest you use a low pillow and try to change your position during sleep, possibly on your side, helping yourself with some pillows positioned behind your back.
12. If I have a double size bed base, is it better to use a double size mattress or 2 single size mattresses?
There is no perfect solution, but we can illustrate the pros and cons of the 2 choices. The main advantage of using 2 single mattresses is that they can satisfy different needs of weight and stiffness.
However, we have to point out that in choosing some types of mattresses, the joining section of the two single mattresses might result uncomfortable. This type of disadvantage is more pronounced in spring or independent pocketed spring mattresses because these models have a rigid perimetric frame. Choosing this type of mattress we recommend a double size mattress.
While chosing 2 polyfoam, latex or viscoelastic mattresses, the surfaces are even, so that there is a minor difference in the joining section. For some mattresses it is possible to buy a double size lining for 2 single mattresses. In fact, our clients often tend to buy 2 single mattresses instead of a double size one for practical maintenance reasons like: moving, turning and airing, as with 2 single mattresses it is simpler.
13. In which way does Manifattura Falomo use memory foam (viscoelastic) for the production of mattresses?
We use memory foam in our mattresses in 2 different ways: in the internal structure of the mattress and in the cover.
When memory foam is used in the cover, usually this is only on one side: the other side will therefore result less “enveloping” and of a different softness compared to the side with memory foam.
14. Is it better to use a soft or hard mattress?
This mainly depends on bodily features and secondly personal taste of who uses the mattress.
This is one of the reasons we believe it is important that you try several mattresses with different rigidities before buying a new mattress.
15. Is it possible to use a heating blanket with an expanded mattress (memory, memory foam, blue memory, latex, acquatech) or is there a risk to ruin the mattress?
Yes. There is no risk that the mattress gets ruined: the mattress could be damaged only with very high temperatures, much higher than those reached by a heating blanket .
16. Is it true that a spring mattress lasts up to 20 years?
Wrong. From a mechanical point of view, a mattress could last for such a long period, as the iron springs can resist wear without ruining for a long time.
However, the upholstered parts of the mattress deteriorate in less time due to use.
From a hygienic point of view, sleep would certainly be compromised by the presence of dust mites and skin particles accumulated from sleeping on the mattress for years, night after night.
17. Is it true that memory mattresses (viscoelastic) make you sweat?
Thanks to body heat, this type of mattress adapts like a “glove” to the areas of pressure of your body. This, for some people with certain physical features, can give a feeling of major heat and thus sweating during sleep.
The sensation of heat is especially appreciated during winter as it gives a sense of coziness once you are lying on the mattress. Note that the feeling of heat is determined by the thickness of the memory used for the mattress. The thicker the memory is, the greater is the sensation of coziness.
The feeling of heat can be reduced by using a lining with cool breathable fibers such as cotton. The best choice would be to select a mattress with one side made of memory foam and the other one without, in order to use the side without memory foam during hot seasons.
For this reason, with the help of our research laboratories, we have invented the innovative Relaxody mattress in which we use Memory Fresh Blue, a new type of extremely cool memory.
18. What elements determine the price of a memory mattress?
The elements that play a role in determining the price of a mattress in memory are the following: the density, the quality of the material used, the complexity of the shape that is given to the material and the thickness.
Generally, a mattress is considered of good quality when it has a height of at least 18 cm with an internal material density of at least 50 kg/Mc.
A further element that determines the price is the cover, which can be with or without a zipper. Also in this case, the amount and quality of the material used for the padding of the cover (wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, polyester) and the type of fabric, which is the element that is in closest contact with the body, are the fundamental elements that determine the final price of the mattress.
19. What height does the only latex core of the mattress have, excluding the textile lining? What should the height be?
Our latex cores’thickness is generally 18 cm “naked”. We consider this to be the ideal thickness for a good latex mattress.
The 50 years experience in the production of mattresses brings us to assert that a quality latex mattress should be realized with different load-bearing areas and must be of at least 16 cm of thickness and have a density of 65 kg/m3.
20. What is the difference between latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses (also known as expanded or viscoelastic memory)?
In the context of mattresses, “foam” is often termed together with “memory”, “memory foam” means in fact “foam with memory”.
This foam with memory (memory foam) also includes the whole range of mattresses that in Italy is called with the term “viscoelastic”.
Therefore latex mattresses have an elastic response to every small pressure, corresponding with a resolute and elastic sustain, returning to the original shape rapidly.
What characterizes memory foam is the ability of this material to soften with body heat, thus molding perfectly to the shapes of our body. Instead, latex differently from memory foam, presents a more ready and elastic structure that does not change its conformation with our body heat.
If we supposedly drop a steel sphere from 1 m of height, we will notice that on the latex mattress the sphere bounces, while on the memory mattress it does not. This reaction of memory is due to the material’s ability to absorb the solicitations of our weight very well.
21. What is the ideal mattress for someone who suffers from gastro-oesophageal reflux (acid reflux)?
Generally for a gastric reflux problem the use of a reclining bed base is recommended. In fact, gastroenterologists normally suggest raising the bed base on the side of the head to at least 10 cm.
This slight inclination allows a better digestion and counteracts the problem of gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Manifattura Falomo’s “antireflux” bed base, differently from common reclining bed bases found on the market, allows the inclination of the whole bed, not only the area relative to the back.
This allows sleeping without compressing the abdomen, which instead happens with the most common reclining bed bases.
Moreover, in the case of a double size bed, the recommendation is to buy 2 separated mattresses with 2 independent single bed bases to allow the inclination only of the concerned mattress.
22. What is the most common mistake in choosing a mattress?
Asking for an orthopedic mattress thinking that an orthopedic mattress is synonymous to a hard and ideal mattress.
Consider that the most appropriate mattress is the one that furnishes the correct support and that is not necessarily a very hard mattress.
23. What must the density for an excellent aquatech mattress be?
A good density for an aquatech mattress can be considered from 50 Kg/mc upwards.
Our most sold model from the aquatech range are the models: Kuschelmed, for which we even use a density of 65 KG/mc, and Kuschelmed de Luxe, in which we use both aquatech with a density of 65 Kg/mc and memory foam with a density of 55 KG/mc for the shoulder area, in order to make the mattress more comfortable in that zone. This later product is highly appreciated mainly by those who sleep on their side.
24. What should the thickness of memory foam combined with polyurethane be in order to have an optimal mattress?
In our opinion, the thickness of memory depends on the quality of the memory foam used: for example on its bearing capacity, density and the type of support on which the mattress is placed.
In our models, we generally use a layer of 5-6 cm as for example in the model Memory Soy which is applied on a base of aquatech with a thickness of approximately 14-15 cm.
25. What thickness should a valid memory (viscoelastic) or expanded polyurethane mattress have?
The thickness of Memory (or polyurethane) mattresses on the European market is generally between 14 and 25 cm.
Our experience brought us to affirm that a good Memory (or polyurethane) mattress has an ideal thickness of at least 18 cm.
Also remember that it is of fundamental importance for the quality of this typology of mattresses that the density of the expanded foam used is of high value.
26. Which is the ideal mattress for allergic people?
We believe that the most indicated mattress for people who suffer from allergies is one with a zippered lining, removable and washable at high temperatures.
For many years, we have recommended for different mattress models the Bielastic® and Medicott® covers, washable at 95 °C.
27. Which mattress is advisable for a 3-10 years old child?
There no ideal mattress for a 3 year old child that will remain so to the age of 10, for 3 reasons:
1. SOFTNESS AND SUPPORT OF THE MATTRESS
Our first suggestion is to buy a single standard size mattress for kids, with high softness (as the child weighs less than an adult!) and think of a future mattress after 5 years. In adult mattresses, the mattress is more stressed by our weight and therefore requires a higher stiffness to support us adequately.
2. VERTEBRAL COLUMN AND SUPPORT AREAS OF THE MATTRESS
Our second suggestion regards the different areas of stiffness of the mattress: growing up, the child’s vertebral column will grow and the support areas will need to be conformed to the height of the child.
3. REMOVABILITY OF THE COVER OF THE MATTRESS
Furthermore, our experience brings us to indicate you toward the purchase of a child’s mattress with removable lining which can be machine washed.
28. Which mattress is best for people who suffer from dust mite allergies?
Undoubtedly a mattress with a removable lining that can be washed at high temperatures (at least 90°C) to eliminate dust mites. It has been established by several researches that dust mites are eradicated by high temperatures.
Our advice is not a specific model, but a mattress cover that takes these problems into account: in this way it could be sufficient to change only the lining of the mattress if the mattress is still in good condition.
We advise you to discover the fantastic features of the Bielastic® and Medicott® cover which is available for most of our mattresses.
29. Why do some mattresses in memory foam have a “waved” surface while others have a regular surface?
Normally, mattresses are produced with this “wave pattern” for 2 main reasons.
The first reason is to create different lead-bearing areas in the mattress, in this case the length of the waves determine the more or less load-bearing areas of the mattress.
The second reason is that waves, compared to a flat surface, usually welcomes our body better.
We can also add that these special shapes allow a better breathability of the mattress.