Category Archives: How to choose

Should I get a mattress protector?

Mattress protector

Why a new mattress needs a mattress protector

Through speaking with our customers, we’ve come to realise that there is some confusion about what a mattress protector actually does.

Many people don’t understand why they are a really good idea, especially if you’ve just bought a new mattress. In this post, we’ll be explaining the benefits of getting a mattress protector for your bed.

At Chiropedic we’ve been designing and manufacturing our own mattresses from top-quality Australian materials at our factory in Braybrook, Victoria, since 1991.

Our mattresses are built to last, with up to a 20-year warranty. However protecting and caring for your new mattress properly is essential to ensure you get as much life out of it as possible.

We include mattress protectors in our super-value bundles, which package all the mattress protectors and pillows you’ll require together with your mattress in one delivery.

Mattress toppers, pads and overlays

A mattress topper, pad or overlay is not the same thing as a mattress protector. Their primary purpose is to enhance comfort by adding extra padding.

They can be really handy if your mattress is old or is the wrong firmness for you. For example, a memory foam mattress topper can soften a firm mattress for those who prefer a softer sleep.

However, they aren’t designed to provide any real protection for your mattress.

The benefits of mattress protectors

A great mattress protector creates a waterproof and dust-proof yet breathable shield around your bed.

This inhibits bacteria, mould, mildew and bugs to ensure that your bed does what it is supposed to do: give you a comfortable, clean and restful sleep, all night and every night.

Keep things clean

The fact of the matter is that our bodies are not kind to beds. Not only do we sweat throughout the night, we also expel oils and shed dead skin cells as we sleep.

These soak through the sheets and penetrate the mattress, and once in they are nearly impossible to remove.

A mattress protector blocks these substances and it can be taken off and machine washed as often as you like, which means you get to enjoy a cleaner mattress for longer.

Keeps you comfortable for longer

When the above-mentioned oils and perspiration penetrate the foam of your mattress, it will start to break down and show signs of wear.

This means that the mattress will, over time, become less comfortable to use and may also begin to produce unpleasant odours. This, of course, means you will probably want to replace it much sooner than you would have liked.

Keeps allergies and dust mites at bay

Dust mites are one of the realities of a night’s rest. These little critters feed on your dead skin cells.

However a mattress protector prevents skin flakes and other dust from accumulating on your mattress, keeping it sterile and reducing dust mite allergies.

Great for your warranty

Most mattress warranties include a clause that voids them if there is a stain on the mattress. This means that if you accidentally spill something on your mattress without a mattress protector in place you’ll be stuck with it, or have to buy a new one.

Tips on mattress care

If you’re not using a mattress protector, these tips on mattress care may come in handy.

Reducing dust and skin cells: Regular vacuuming may help to reduce the accumulations of dust and skin cells that will build up on your mattress over time. To absorb unpleasant mattress odours, sprinkle baking soda and leave for 30 minutes, then use the vacuum cleaner to remove.

Removing liquids: When liquids spill onto your mattress, quickly blot it dry. And if you notice any stains or marks, try to remove them as best you can by gently wiping or dabbing with a damp cloth. Never use solvents or strong chemicals.

Airing: Regularly exposing your mattress to fresh air and natural light can help to discourage mould and dust mites, and the increased air flow will help to carry away moisture and musty smells.

At Chiropedic, we recommend you leave the hard work of mattress maintenance to a mattress protector.

We have a range is available in all sizes and in a number of fabrics including TENCEL®, which is ideal for sensitive skin and eczema, recognised by the Eczema Association as Sensitive Skin Tried and Tested, and approved by the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice Program.

Browse our selection of Protect-a-Bed mattress protectors and pillow protectors online. 

4 Reasons Why You Need A Non-Toxic Latex Mattress

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High quality, healthier, and safer sleeping

We spend about a third of our lifetime asleep. Rest is important for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, whether you are working out at the gym, or working hard in the office. Good, consistent sleep can also help:

  • Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
  • Improve concentration, productivity, and overall mental health.
  • Reduce the body’s reliance on calories that lead to weight gain.

Natural non-toxic latex mattresses offer more comfortable rest, and safer, healthier sleep compared to other mattresses on the market. Their manufacturing process is also more sustainable than synthetic materials used in mattresses.

Dreaming of a better night sleep? Visit your local Chiropedic store. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding the perfect mattress for your needs.

What are the types of mattresses?

Before we get into the benefits of natural latex mattresses, it’s important to understand how they differ from other materials used.

  • HD Foam mattresses use high density foams in a variety of feels, from firm to soft, to provide different comfort levels suiting everyone’s individual preference.
  • Memory foam mattresses use special visco-elastic foam that conforms to the body of the sleeper providing pressure relief.
  • Gel mattresses use gel, infused through the materials in the comfort layers of the mattress to offer improved temperature regulation. Gel-infused latex mattresses are also available.
  • Micro pocket spring mattresses use a tightly coiled spring system to offer increased support and pressure relief.
  • Wool comfort mattresses utilise special layers of wool blends between the foam.

Natural latex mattresses offer the same great support and comfort of these mattresses. What sets natural latex apart is its inherent health benefits. The manufacturing process of non-toxic mattresses leads to a far more natural and sustainable product.

What is a natural latex mattress?

Before they are available for purchase, each mattress undergoes an extensive manufacturing process.

  1. Natural latex is harvested from the milky sap of the rubber tree.
  2. There are two methods used to create natural latex mattresses:
    • The Dunlop Method involves frothing the sap and passing it through a special oven. When the block is solidified, it is then washed, dried, and prepared for use.
    • The Talalay Method is where the liquid latex is cast into a vacuum mould. This mould is then flash frozen and flash heated, allowing the block to solidify permanently.
  3. The brand new natural latex mattress undergoes vigorous quality and standards checks.

Although it takes about 12 acres of rubber trees to make one queen mattress, this process is entirely renewable. A rubber tree can live for over 75 years, and can be harvested continually. This same 12 acres of trees will remove 143 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 12 months.

Natural latex mattresses are more sustainable than other products, but why are they better to sleep on?

1. Better rest

It’s hard to think of anything better than a solid 8 hour, uninterrupted trip to dreamland. Non-toxic latex mattresses offer just this, supporting the entire body with strength and comfort.

  • Greater support: Natural latex mattresses are soft, but firm, offering varying levels of support for the head and shoulders, mid-section, and lower body.
  • Less disturbance: The strength of natural latex ensures that partners are not disturbed by the other moving around or getting up in the night.

2. Ultimate comfort

There’s more to sleep than just being unconscious. Drifting off can take anywhere from 15 minutes to hours. Your mattress should offer support and comfort at all times, whether you are sleeping, reading, or having breakfast in bed.

  • Temperature control: Other mattresses can trap body heat, making for hot, uncomfortable sleep. Latex mattresses are designed to disperse heat.
  • No odours: Synthetic mattresses have a reputation for having a distinct rubbery smell. Natural latex mattresses have no odour, and do not impart any smell onto bedding or sleepers.

3. Safer sleep

Safety doesn’t begin when you lock the front door. Compared to artificial compounds, natural latex mattresses offer a far safer sleep.

  • Flame resistance: Some manufacturers use materials that require harmful additives to make them fire safe, non-toxic latex is naturally resistant to fire.
  • No VOCs: Common in fresh paint, volatile organic compounds are chemicals that affect air quality around the home and can lead to health issues. Natural latex has no VOCs, meaning your home will be healthier.

4. High durability

When it comes to naturally sourced materials, questions are always asked about their durability. Thankfully, non toxic latex mattresses are some of the most durable on the market. The natural latex manufacturing process yields stronger mattresses, meaning that they will be replaced less often than other types.

  • Shape retention: Thanks to their thorough manufacturing process, natural latex mattresses can last upwards of 20 years and still retain their shape.
  • Dust and mould: The natural composition of non-toxic latex mattresses grants them a higher resistance to dust mites and mold.

Why choose Chiropedic?

Not all mattresses are created equal. Chiropedic mattresses are designed for people seeking the best possible night’s sleep. The standard composition of a natural latex mattress features several layers of non-toxic, naturally sourced materials:

  • Soft knitted fabric for a luxury feel
  • Natural latex for support and comfort
  • Pocket springs for added support
  • Woven fabric and foam side support

If you’re looking for the perfect latex mattress, drop into your local Chiropedic store. Our friendly team can advise you on the best non toxic mattress for your needs.

What Is The Best Pillow For A Good Nights Sleep?

Cotton Terry Pillow Protector Single

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the type of pillow on your bed

Unlike how many steps you should walk every day, or the number of vegetables you should eat — there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the type of pillow you should have on your bed.

Your preferred materials, sleeping style, and the longevity you need from your pillows will all affect what the right pillow for you looks like. Because everyone is different, and everyone sleeps differently, there are no ‘one pillow fits all’ solution.

If your pillow feels lumpy, gets stuck to your face when you’re sleeping, or moves as you sleep, it’s time to invest in a new one.

There is currently a wide range of materials used in pillows which can make the decision process hard, but here are five of the most important things to consider when you are purchasing your next pillow.

1. Fill material

Your pillow’s fill material should be consistent with your needs and comfort preferences. Down pillows give you the traditional light and soft pillow-feel.

Synthetic and polyester-filled pillows are less expensive than natural down and are usually hypo-allergenic. They do require replacing more frequently but are a great budget alternative compared to many other pillow types.

These pillows are generally soft to medium but will flatten with wear and use over time.

Memory foam pillows are popular in the mattress and pillow industry, and for a good reason. While these pillows tend to start at a higher price point than synthetic and polyester-filled pillows, they last around three years with proper care.

The foam conforms to your individual shape, fitting your unique support needs. Responding to your weight, body heat, and body structure, memory foam softens and contours to the lines of your head, neck, and shoulders. It has the benefit of consistently distributing weight evenly across its surface.

Memory foam and gel combined pillows have the advantage of a cooler’s nights sleep, with natural temperature cooling-infused foams, great for those who find they get too hot overnight.

2. Sleeping style

Your sleeping style may affect the style of pillow that will suit you best. Keep in mind that most people have several sleeping styles; for example, you could move from your back to your side throughout the evening.

  • Side sleepers need a firmer pillow and a pillow on the thicker side to support the weight of their shoulders and neck properly. Memory foam or gel-infused foam pillows would fall under this category.
  • Stomach sleepers need a softer pillow — or no pillow at all — underneath their head. However, a synthetic or polyester pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain.
  • Back sleepers need a flatter pillow, to keep your head and neck in alignment. Back sleepers may prefer softer synthetic or polyester pillows, however, if you wake up with neck or back pain, it may be worth looking into additional support with foam pillows.

3. Shape

Most pillows are designed in two different shapes — the classic and the contour.

  • The classic shape is the everyday pillow you can flip and rotate as many times as you like.
  • The contour pillow is designed to never be flipped and is shaped to especially support side sleepers.

4. Heat

Synthetic and polyester-filled pillows generally sleep cooler than memory foam pillows.

Memory foam retains heat, which can lead to discomfort and sweating, particularly in warmer weather. High-quality memory foam pillows are often made today with ventilation built into the pillow, or high-quality cooling gels. These pillows can give off chemical-like smells, particularly when new.

5. A pillow’s lifespan

As a general rule, pillows should be replaced every 18 months. Higher quality pillows may last longer than budget pillows, and memory foam pillows tend to last longer than synthetic pillows.

Your pillow is an essential component of getting a good night’s sleep, as well as supporting a healthy sleeping posture, so it’s important to replace them regularly.

We’d love to help you find your dream sleep partner. Take a look at our pillows online to see our range of pillows. It’s important to try before you buy, which is why we have 9 stores across Victoria.