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The following is a list of additional resources to help you sleep more soundly.
Accessories
- Dohm-DS White Noise Generator: Your brain is good at detecting changes in sound level, which is why the smallest sound in an otherwise silent house can keep you up. This is a white noise generator, which drowns out those extraneous sounds to help you fall asleep quicker. This is the highest-rated and one of the best selling ones on Amazon. I personally use this one, and it helps me get a better night’s sleep. My fiancee likes how this one sounds better than the app I used to use on my phone.
- Leviton Amber Nightlight: Blue light (which is present in white light as well) disrupts melatonin production in your body, which makes it harder to fall asleep. If you use a night light, use one that doesn’t have blue in it. The amber-colored Leviton linked above is just one example. Find one that suits your needs, as long as it isn’t white or blue.
- Uvex S0360X Blue blocking goggles: These goggles will block the melatonin-disrupting blue light from reaching your eyes at night, so you can sleep better.
- IMAK Sleep Mask: I don’t use sleep masks personally, but this was the best-reviewed one I could find on Amazon. It will block out the light from outside to help you go to sleep and wake up at the correct time. This is especially useful during the summer when the sun doesn’t go down until almost 9pm and comes up at 5am.
- Protect-a-bed Mattress Protector: This is one of the most popular mattress protectors on the market. A mattress protector does four things: it keeps the mattress clean, it prevents the foams from wearing down due to perspiration and other fluids, it prevents allergens like dust mites from accumulating in the mattress, and it protects the warranty.
Where to buy a mattress online
- Leesa: High quality direct-to-consumer foam mattress with a 100 night return policy. See my review of them here.
- US Mattress: One of the largest online retailers of mattresses. Also has a few stores in the Michigan area.
- Sears: I usually don’t recommend department stores because their prices tend to be a little higher, but Sears occasionally has great sales.
Websites
- Mattress Advisor: This website is a great resource for unbiased reviews on specific mattresses and manufacturers. The site also reviews other sleep products such as mattress toppers and sound machines.
- The Sleep Doctor: This is the homepage of Dr. Michael Breus. He has a blog, several books, and links to his sleep articles elsewhere.
- The National Sleep Foundation: A foundation created to spread the word about the importance of sleep.
Books
- The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep: This book is from one of the most esteemed medical schools in the world. It has advice on getting a better night’s sleep as well as detailing the consequences for not sleeping well.
- The Promise of Sleep: A New York Times bestseller by Dr. William Dement, a world-renowned sleep-researcher
MattressNerd Says
May 25, 2018 at 3:52 pm
You should get the Tempurpedic foundation, if the bed isn't a platform bed. (And the term is "bunkie board" for what it's worth).
Debi Matt Says
May 25, 2018 at 5:19 am
We currently have a tempurpedic mattress that sits on what they called a boogie board which was purchased because we owned a waterbed . we are now considering purchasing a new set . What should we use under the tempurpedic other than the board to raise it up ?
Susan Taigman Says
November 8, 2017 at 2:26 pm
IWe are looking a good queen sized mattress for our guest bedroom and came across a Sealy Noranda cushion firm. Will this mattress work for us, and what kind of quality is it?? Thank you
MattressNerd Says
October 19, 2017 at 8:36 pm
There is no such thing as a mattress pad that will cool you down to my knowledge; just ones that won't heat up, or heat up as quickly. There are some that will feel cool at first, and maybe for a couple of hours, but tend to get even hotter at night. I have some tips to sleep cool here.
Carolyn Holmes Says
October 17, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Can you recommend a cooling mattress pad? We have a Stearns and Foster, which we love, but it's hot. I often wake up sweating which breaks my CPAP mask seal. I look forward to your recommendation.
MattressNerd Says
April 13, 2016 at 8:45 am
It varies by town. Most have some form of bulk trash pickup.
Tim Says
April 12, 2016 at 8:24 pm
How do persons buying mail order mattresses deal with getting rid of their old mattress?
Shelly Porter Says
March 11, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Is there another Simmons Beautyrest mattress that is the same as the Simmons Beautyrest Recharge Hybrid "Wildwood Crest" Luxury Firm mattress? I cannot seem to locate this one anywhere. I purchased one last summer and now I would like to buy another one in queen size. Thanks in advance for your help!
MattressNerd Says
July 19, 2015 at 10:08 pm
There are many options for the base. If you get the wire bed frame, you can add what's called a "bunkie board" to even out the support. I recommend having the gaps between the slats being no larger than 2 inches, and most good platform beds are around that. They just need to be rigid, and not flexible like the Ikea ones.
Nancy Solomon Says
July 19, 2015 at 8:10 pm
ALSO -- the metal frames are ugly and the cables are more than 3" inches apart. Please advise.
Nancy Solomon Says
July 19, 2015 at 8:09 pm
I bought a Leesa full size at your recommendation. I slept on it for the first time last night. It was lovely. However, it was also on the floor. My son-in-law is assembling the bed frame I purchased from IKEA at this moment. For the FIRST time I saw the notice on the Leesa website about NOT using flexible slats, which my IKEA bed frame has. I bought the Lonset slats. Leesa says the mattress should be on a flat surface. If using slats, they should be flat, non-flexible and three inches apart.You recommend using slats to allow air circulation. I couldn't find any slat beds with slats no more than three inches apart. I'm going to have knee replacement surgery tomorrow -- Sunday, July 20. I was hoping to come home to my new mattress and bed frame. My family can return the bed frame and/or slats while I'm in rehab. Can you recommend a solution? I will have access to email.
Derek Says
March 2, 2015 at 9:45 am
just wanted to thank you for this really comprehensive guide. This is a great resource and you deserve credit for making it.