Thursday, June 30, 2011

Types of Mattresses

The right mattress can improve your sleep – and your life.  Mattresses have come a long way since the days of hay-stuffing!  Learning the differences between mattress types is a great first step toward better sleep.

"Princess and the Pea" Syndrome
at its worst! Do your research, and
don't let this happen to you!
Spring
Still the most common type of mattress, innerspring mattresses use tempered steel coils in a variety of configurations to provide support while layers of upholstery provide insulation and cushioning. For side sleepers and couples, individually encased response coils provide better conformance and less motion transfer.


Foam
Foam mattresses are excellent for all ages and sleeping preferences because there are so many choices. Many are lightweight and come roll-packed, so they’re easy to take home. Some foam tends to trap heat, so if you’re a warm sleeper look for foam mattresses that are made of natural cotton or lyocell blend fabrics, and have lamb’s wool layers — all naturally derived fibers that wick away moisture to help maintain an even sleep temperature.


Latex
Prized for their resilience, latex mattresses are springy and conforming at the same time. They wick away moisture and heat from the body and regulate temperature well. Natural latex has many additional advantages, such as naturally anti-dust mite, anti-mold and anti-mildew qualities, hypo-allergenic qualities, and it is a chemical free bed that will does not off-gas.

Now it’s just a matter of matching your sleeping habits with the right mattress features. Visit the Better Sleep Council (http://www.bettersleep.org/ease/arm.asp) for more information on mattresses, sleep, and even the history of the bed!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Welcome to IKEA Twin Cities: the Blog!

We've got a blog!


Why would IKEA Twin Cities want to have a blog, anyway? 

How much could a big blue box in the middle of Bloomington have to say about anything?

We have a lot to say, and we hope you find it interesting!

Our three goals are to (1) provide information, (2) deliver inspiration, and (3) invite interaction!

We want to do more to be your partner in better living, and fulfill our goal to be The Life Improvement Store.  Come by to read up about home furnishings, trends, and ways to improve your everyday life.  Stay a bit and check out some inspirational pictures, ideas, and resources.  And finally, tell us what you think!  We don't want this blog to be a soap box -- we'd like it to be a conversation.  So speak up!  -- We're listening!