Author: Texas Mattress Makers

Investing in a smart mattress seems to be all the rage right now all across the World Wide Web. Check out this new innovative mattress! See how smart mattresses can be beneficial for your health. Get the best sleep of your life with a mattress that knows you better than you know yourself! 

The marketing surrounding these smart beds is quite impressive. Almost every big mattress brand has put out its own version of a smart mattress with its own unique features. If you find these technologically advanced mattresses intriguing, we’re here to share a word of caution. Although these mattresses seem to come with a long list of innovative technological features that seem impressive, they also come with hefty price tags and a list of complications that may make sleep more stressful. 

While we do say that your sleep is priceless, the mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers don’t believe that a smart mattress is a worthwhile investment. Here’s why.

What is a smart mattress?

A smart mattress refers to a high-tech mattress made with technology that links to a sleep-tracking app to provide data on your sleep patterns. A smart bed can track your movement, your heart rate, and your body temperature using sensors in the mattress and will ultimately give you a score on how “well” or “not well” you slept that night. 

The purpose of smart beds is to provide sleepers with hard data on the quality of their sleep and what they can do to improve it. Sounds pretty cool, right? In theory, yes, but in practice, not so much. Smart mattresses overcomplicate what should be a very simple thing, providing you with a supportive and comfortable surface to get a good night’s sleep on. But with all the bells and whistles, you may find yourself losing sleep over your smart mattress. Let’s get into why.

The problem with smart beds

Sometimes, technology does not improve an item. In the case of a mattress, too much tech can overcomplicate and take away what you actually need in a mattress to get quality sleep. 

1. Not a viable sleep solution

The whole point of a smart mattress is to provide data on how you sleep every night. However, this info only points out that you’re not sleeping well without actually fixing the problem. Sure, the app may share some sleep tips or allow you to customize the temperature* or the firmness of your mattress, but it’s not aware of what your body actually needs to get quality rest. Mattresses are not one-size-fits-all, but these sleep apps treat them as such. 

You need a mattress that is created by mattress experts who know exactly what you need in a bed. While these smart bed developers spend their time making an app, the experts at Texas Mattress Makers spend their time making mattresses with top-of-the-line, innovative components that can benefit you and your sleep. We focus on your comfort and support, not an app. 

*Keep reading: Why does my mattress make me sweat?

2. Unreliable apps

One of the biggest complaints that users have with smart beds is that the apps designed to track your sleep and adjust your bed have connectivity issues and are prone to crashing. As we all know, mobile apps and phones in general are not always reliable 100% of the time. 

Imagine if you wanted to make adjustments to your mattress based on the app’s recommendations, but the app isn’t working. So frustrating! Then you’re stuck with a mattress that can’t properly cater to your needs. You may even end up sleeping worse than you did before! 

3. Information overload can create stress

Feeling like you’re being graded on your sleep every night can have unpleasant ramifications. You might wake up each morning stressing about the numbers and statistics you’ll see on the screen. Or worse, spending your night wondering if it’s tracking your data. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with data, but when it’s related to something as important as sleep, these sleep-tracking apps may only cause you more stress. And we all know how stress affects sleep.

Furthermore, a mattress should not encourage you to use your phone more. Reducing your screen time before bed is a great way to get better sleep, but with a smart bed, you have to use your phone to activate the mattress’s features. 

4. Expensive and exclusionary 

To be blunt, there’s no such thing as an affordable smart bed. Even if the fancy technology and data-driven apps appeal to you, the price tags on these beds are absolutely appalling. What’s worse is that these smart beds are marketed highly to people who suffer from chronic illnesses or physical disabilities who need more customization capabilities…but the price points are not accessible in the slightest. 

If you are someone who fits into those categories and is looking for a more customizable mattress, Texas Mattress Makers can help! As a mattress manufacturer, we can create a fully custom mattress that is suited to your unique needs. We can also recommend an adjustable mattress base that allows you to customize the positioning of your mattress for a more comfortable sleeping experience. 

5. Privacy concerns 

If you use any product that utilizes an app that collects your personal data, you should be concerned about your privacy. When you purchase a smart mattress, you are allowing the bed’s app to collect data about you, your personal habits, and your health. Meaning, that the company that created the app now has access to sensitive information about you and it’s unclear what they could be using that data for. If you are at all concerned about data privacy, stay away from smart mattresses.  

Are smart mattresses worth it? 

In our expert opinion, no. Putting your sleep in the hands of an app is not the best way to get the quality rest you deserve. Instead, we recommend investing in a quality mattress with high-quality components to get the sleep results you desire. A smart bed may include high-tech features, but at the end of the day, technology can’t give you your perfect mattress — although the companies will tell you it can. 

You need a mattress that is made with high-quality supportive and comfort components that will cater to your body’s needs. And you can find your dream mattress at Texas Mattress Makers.

Ditch the Smart Mattress for a Quality Mattress from Texas Mattress Makers

Is a mattress a good investment? Yes, if it’s the right one. The bottom line is that a smart mattress is not a smart investment for your sleep quality because the technology is not made with you in mind. At the end of the day, you are the best judge of what you need to get better sleep — even the latest and greatest technology can’t ever know what is best for you. You can save thousands of dollars (and a headache) by simply purchasing a mattress made with innovative components that will suit your exact sleep needs. 

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, why is mattress shopping so hard? Texas Mattress Makers provides a mattress-shopping experience that is simple and stress-free. Our experts get to know you and your needs before taking care of the rest. All of our mattresses feature top-of-the-line components that can each benefit a different type of sleeper. Whatever your needs are, we have a mattress that will give you the best sleep of your life for a fraction of the price of a smart mattress.

If you are in the market for any sleep accessories to enhance your rest, speak to an expert in any of our showrooms in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX, or shop online! 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping
• What to Look for in a Mattress
• What Type of Mattress is the Most Supportive?
• Why You Should Shop From a Sustainable Mattress Company
• Why Mattress Construction Matters

Mattress accessories are more important to a good night’s sleep than you might think. There have been many debates over the years if bed accessories such as box springs, bed frames, and mattress protectors are truly necessary investments.

Are adjustable bed frames worth it?

Do you need a bed frame?

I can just buy a cheap pillow, right? 

People tend to think that as long as they have a quality mattress, all of their sleep problems will be solved — when in fact, that’s just step one. The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to explain the importance of mattress accessories and what to buy along with a mattress.

What mattress accessories are worth the investment?

Here’s the truth: a great mattress alone cannot deliver the support, comfort, and protection you need to achieve restorative rest long-term. Mattress accessories act as the puzzle pieces that create a full picture of you getting the best night’s sleep every single night. 

Although there are many sleep accessories on the market that can help to improve your sleep, you will not get the quality rest your body needs if your mattress is not supported and protected. 

Here is a list of what to buy along with a mattress:

• A bed frame (upholstered for a better look) or adjustable mattress base
• A box spring 
• A mattress protector 
• A quality pillow

Now that you know what to add to your shopping list after you purchase a top-quality mattress from Texas Mattress Makers, let’s get into our expert guide for choosing mattress accessories. Note that all of the bed accessories listed below can be found in any of our Houston-area showrooms or online for your convenience!

1. Bed frames

Bed frames are the ultimate support structure for your mattress and your box spring. Whether made out of wood, metal, or steel, or is covered in upholstery fabric (which we will touch on later), bed frames are designed to elevate your mattress off of the ground and properly support the mattress so that the mattress can properly support you. 

Having a structure to keep your mattress off of the ground helps reduce wear and tear over time by protecting it from bugs or dirt that could be on the floor as well as preventing unwanted sagging which can lead to discomfort. 

When you buy your mattress at Texas Mattress Makers, be sure to ask for a bed frame that will complement your mattress’s size. We offer products that can be adjusted to fit any standard-size mattress. 

2. Box springs

Is having a box spring important? Yes! Box springs provide a solid, stable surface on which your mattress can lay flat, preventing the mattress from sinking or sagging over time. For example, if your mattress is placed on top of uneven bed slats, your mattress could mold unevenly and begin to sag between the rails resulting in a very uncomfortable bed. 

The box spring helps to absorb shock in order to protect the components inside the mattress. Because the box spring elevates the mattress off of the ground, it can also protect your mattress from dirt and debris that is on the ground. 

When shopping for your box spring, take into consideration what height you desire. Some people prefer the look of a bed that is lower to the ground or may need a shorter box spring to make getting out of bed easier. We offer a range of box springs in different sizes and some that serve specific functions such as our Acid Reflux Box Spring to help those who suffer from acid reflux find more comfort as they sleep or our Heavy Duty Plywood Box Spring which offers unparalleled support and can double as a bedframe if purchased with the legs.

3. Adjustable bases

If you are looking for a way to maximize your comfort and relaxation, adjustable bed accessories may be a great addition to your bedroom. Adjustable mattress bases are comprised of sections that can be individually manipulated to customize the positioning of your mattress to attain your desired sleep posture. You can prop up your feet, lift your head, move the bed up and down, and so much more! 

There are many benefits of an adjustable mattress base that a normal bed frame or box spring can’t provide. If you have a medical condition — such as chronic pain, sleep apnea, arthritis, or acid reflux — or you have just had surgery, an adjustable base can make sleeping a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. In lieu of a box spring or bed frame, an adjustable base will provide the stability and support that your mattress needs with the added benefit of position customization. 

An adjustable base can also provide luxury benefits to elevate your mattress experience. 

1. Reading, watching TV, or even working on your laptop with an adjustable base allows you to find the perfect and most comfortable position to do those activities in your bed.  
2. If you simply want to lay down and relax but you want to elevate your legs, you can! This is especially good for people who want to improve their circulation before or after sleep.  
3. Some adjustable beds even have massage features which will help you meditate and get to a quieter space of mind before sleep.

We have a variety of adjustable bed accessories that can suit a range of sleep needs for different price ranges. If you are interested in a mattress that is compatible with an adjustable bed frame, ask our experts for their recommendations.

4. Pillows

Many sleepers neglect pillows as a crucial bed accessory. In fact, many people tend to sleep on the same low-quality pillow for many years without giving it a second thought. Think about it: your head weighs approximately 10 pounds — if you’re resting your head on a flimsy, lumpy pillow, your head is not getting the support it needs. We emphasize the importance of having a mattress that will support your body; your head deserves the same treatment. 

If you’re experiencing bad pillow symptoms such as neck pain, feeling stuffy, or experiencing frequent headaches, it’s time to replace your old pillow with a better one. Having a high-quality pillow that balances comfort and support can make a difference in how well you sleep. 

Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we have The Cooling Pillow: a low-profile, hypoallergenic pillow that provides premium support to your head and neck while also keeping you cool all night long. With this pillow, there’s no such thing as “flipping to the cold side” when you experience that crisp comfort for years to come.

5. Mattress protectors

How important is a mattress protector? If you want your mattress to last a lifetime, a mattress protector is a crucial investment! If you have spent the time and money to find your dream mattress, protecting it should be your first priority. Mattresses tend to absorb many unpleasant or nasty particles over time which can damage them in the long run, therefore, you will need a mattress protector to be your first line of defense in keeping your mattress clean. 

A mattress protector will help to shield your mattress from the following hazards and in turn, extend its lifespan:

• Stains
• Liquids such as sweat and urine 
• Allergens such as pet dander, dust, and dirt
• Mold 
• Bed bugs
• And more!

Our experts would highly recommend finding a mattress protector that is made with a breathable material such as 100% cotton and is made on the thinner side so as to not alter the comfort of your mattress. Both of our mattress protectors are made with top-quality materials to provide ultimate protection while maintaining a luxurious level of comfort. 

6. Upholstered bed frames

For those of you who want to upgrade your bedroom’s aesthetic to new heights, you need to check out our selection of upholstered bed frames. Made by our sister company, Living Designs Furniture, these bed frames are handcrafted using sturdy and durable hardwood and covered in luxurious upholstery fabric. You can experience the support and stability of a durable bed frame and enjoy the gorgeous touch it brings to any room at the same time! 

Our craftsmen can customize these bed frames to be any shape, size, color, or design you could imagine, making them the perfect focal point for your bedroom. The furniture experts at Living Designs Furniture offer free design consultations where you can discuss and plan out your vision for not only a custom bed frame but any piece of upholstered furniture. Book your free consultation today to get started!

See these beautiful upholstered bed frames in action at any of our Houston-area showrooms or shop online!

Texas Mattress Makers: Your One-Stop-Shop for the Best Mattress Accessories in Houston

We hope that this guide to mattress accessories has helped you grasp a better understanding on the importance of investing in quality bed accessories. If you’re searching for the best bed accessories in Houston, Texas Mattress Makers has anything you could ever need all in one place. Once you find your dream mattress, our experts can hook you up with high-quality mattress accessories that will optimize your comfort, improve your sleep quality, and prolong the life of your mattress.  

Come on down to any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX, to speak with an expert or look at our selection of mattress accessories online. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• The Expert’s Mattress Buying Guide
• The Importance of Proper Spine Alignment While Sleeping
• Mattress Buying Guide: Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping
• Is it Worth Investing in a Mattress?
• Where to Buy the Best Non-Toxic Mattress for Your Home

Are adjustable bed frames worth it? Having a mattress that can be adjusted to fit your specific needs can be very beneficial for a number of reasons. However, there are some people out there who don’t see the point of having an adjustable bed. 

My regular mattress and box spring do the trick just fine! And for some people, that may be true! Not every sleeper needs an adjustable mattress base to get a good night’s sleep — but some sleepers would get a great night’s sleep if they had the ability to customize their mattress position depending on their needs.

Finding yourself wondering, “are adjustable bed frames worth it?” We have the answers. The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to share the benefits of an adjustable base and the signs that you should invest in one for your sleep health.

1. You need more support as you sleep

We say this often, but we will say it again: in order to get quality sleep, you need to make sure that your mattress is promoting proper spine alignment throughout the night. When your spine is out of alignment, your muscles and joints work overtime to keep pressure off of your spine, resulting in aches and pains when you wake up. It’s not pretty. 

Unfortunately, some mattresses aren’t equipped to support your preferred sleeping position properly on their own. For example, if you sleep on your back and there are gaps between your body and the mattress, you’re going to experience discomfort, and placing pillows underneath your knees or adding more under your head isn’t always the most comfortable solution. With an adjustable mattress, you would be able to customize your bed’s position to prop your feet up, lift your head, or adjust whatever else is needed to accommodate your sleeping position. No more discomfort. No more pain. And hey, who doesn’t want to be as comfortable as possible when they sleep? We sure do!

2. You’ve just had surgery

Undergoing surgery can be incredibly hard on the body and getting quality sleep is essential to your recovery. This means that if you’re sleeping on a bad mattress, you could be delaying your recovery process! One of the most effective ways to get the best bed for surgery recovery is to find the best adjustable mattress base for your needs. 

Different types of surgery may require you to sleep in certain positions that can’t be comfortably achieved with a flat mattress base. With an adjustable base, you can move the bed up and down to get out of bed more easily or prop up areas that need elevation for better comfort and relaxation.

Do doctors recommend adjustable beds?

Hospitals use adjustable beds because they provide better comfort to recovering patients, so why wouldn’t they be useful at home? A vast majority of the benefits of an adjustable mattress base have to do with medical conditions that affect your sleep. 

If you’ve just had surgery, we have a helpful tip that may help you find the right mattress for you for a better price. The state of Texas allows licensed healthcare providers to write prescriptions for a mattress to aid in your recovery post-operation. If the mattress qualifies as a medical necessity, your purchase can be exempt from sales tax! If you’ve just had an operation such as back surgery, speak to your doctor about this matter to see what can be done to help you rest better and recover faster from your procedure. 

3. You snore or have sleep apnea

Anyone who snores — especially their partners — will tell you that many snoring solutions are a hoax. Nasal strips tend to disappoint and putting tape over your mouth is just plain dangerous! If you want to reduce your snoring, an adjustable bed may do the trick. The same can be said for those who struggle with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that blocks your breathing as you sleep, sometimes resulting in grunting or snoring. 

When you lie flat on a mattress, it is easier for your breathing airways to get blocked which can cause the chainsaw-esque noises that come out when you snore. Having the ability to lift your head properly as you sleep at an angle can only be achieved comfortably and effectively with an adjustable bed. Say goodbye to snoring and hello to restful sleep!

4. You have chronic pain

Those who suffer from chronic pain know how hard it can be to get a full night’s sleep without any discomfort. Sleeping on a mattress that is fully flat can oftentimes put unnecessary pressure on your joints, especially if you’re sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t provide relief through the components. Certain sleeping positions can truly alleviate the pain and pressure of certain chronic conditions but are difficult to achieve on a standard mattress. 

For example, the answer to what type of mattress is best for back pain could be solved with an adjustable mattress. The ability to lift your legs by moving the foot of the mattress upwards can take pressure off of your back as you sleep. An adjustable base can help you wake up with fewer aches by allowing your body to fully relax.

5. You love to work or relax in your bed

If you don’t have any medical reasons to own an adjustable mattress base, you may be thinking, are adjustable bed frames worth it for me? In all honesty, there are no disadvantages of adjustable beds — anyone can benefit from having an adjustable bed in their home. An adjustable base can also provide luxury benefits to elevate your mattress experience. Here are some non-medical reasons why you may enjoy having an adjustable bed:

• You love to watch TV in bed
• You love to read in bed
• You work or study while in bed
• You want to try out new sleeping positions comfortably
• You want to prop your feet up and relax
• You want a bed with massage features for optimal relaxation
• And more!

At the end of the day, having an adjustable bed can be life-changing! You can prop your feet up and relax. You can sit up straight and work on your laptop without having to worry about neck pain. You can read a book in a comfortable position. The possibilities are endless when you have the ability to customize your bed’s positioning. 

Where Can I Buy an Adjustable Bed? Come to Texas Mattress Makers!

So, are adjustable bed frames worth it? Absolutely! This is your sign to buy yourself an adjustable mattress base. While some people may not see value in this investment, we believe that quality sleep is priceless. Whether you want an adjustable bed for medical purposes or for leisure reasons, Texas Mattress Makers has a great selection of adjustable bases for you to choose from. We can help you to find the best adjustable bed frame for the best price. 

Better sleep may be one visit away. Come on down to any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX, or check out our online selection. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Sleep Accessories: Helpful or Hoax?
• Is it Worth Investing in a Mattress?
• Best Mattress for Sciatica: Unpacking Myths
• Does Sleep Help Heal Injuries?
• Mattress Myth: Can You Fix a Mattress Dip?

Whether you’ve just invested in a mattress that’s a new size or are moving and are hoping to uncomplicate your life, a question that has likely crossed your mind is do you need a bed frame? Buying a mattress can be a large purchase, which can make committing to other accessories like a bed frame a tough sell. So, is a bed frame necessary? 

As mattress experts, we’re here to tell you that bed frames are in fact a necessary and important piece of your bed to own. Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we will never ask you to spend money on a product that you don’t absolutely need. You don’t need expensive, high-thread-count sheets or an app to track your sleep, but you do need a bed frame. 

We pride ourselves on providing you with all of the information you need to get healthy rest to improve your life — and in this instance, bed frames are crucial to helping you get the quality sleep your body needs. Let’s get into why the answer to the question “Do you need a bed frame?” is yes.

What is a bed frame?

Before we dive into the reasons why you should invest in a bed frame, let’s quickly go over what a bed frame is and what it does. A bed frame is a support structure for your mattress that can be made out of materials like wood and metal and can be covered in upholstery fabric if desired. Its main function is to keep your mattress off the ground and support your mattress as you sleep on it every night. 

Bed frames, from an aesthetic perspective, genuinely make your bedroom look nicer and more put-together, especially upholstered bed frames. Our sister company, Living Designs Furniture, handcrafts beautiful and customizable upholstered bed frames that can serve as the focal point of any bedroom and complement our mattresses perfectly!

Why do you need a bed frame?

Does a bed frame make a difference? It makes all the difference in the world! If you care about your sleep quality, investing in a bed frame is a smart choice. Although many big-name companies will sell assemble-it-yourself bed frames for low prices, we recommend purchasing a quality bed frame that will last as long as your quality mattress from Texas Mattress Makers does. Our bed frames (and mattresses) are both affordable and durable. 

In our expert opinion, here are a few reasons as to why you should purchase a bed frame.

1. Bed frames keep your mattress off the ground

Is it better to have your bed on the floor or on a frame? Because some people don’t believe they need to invest in a bed frame, they opt to keep their mattress on the floor. Unfortunately, sleeping on a bed that is on the floor with nothing to support it can have a major impact on your mattress, and therefore your sleep quality overall. 

The mattress’s supportive components live at the bottom of the mattress. If you place your mattress on the floor and begin to sleep on it every night, the supportive components will not be able to absorb the shock from your body weight properly, damaging the components over time, and giving you less and less support. A foundation, preferably a box spring and a bed frame, will help absorb that shock and support the mattress so that it can support you. 

Having your mattress on the floor also exposes it to dust, dirt, and other allergens while trapping heat inside the mattress. Keeping your mattress off the ground can also keep it further from household pests, such as ants and other bugs that can be on your floor. Elevating the mattress off of the floor can help keep it clean and cool for a comfortable night’s sleep. 

Trust us, you won’t get a good night’s sleep if you place your mattress on the floor with nothing to support it. The bed frame and box spring combination are necessary to help you get quality rest. 

Keep reading: Can you put a box spring on the floor?

2. Bed frames support your mattress and your body as you sleep

As we discussed, a bed frame supports the mattress so that the mattress can support your body. When you sleep, it is crucial that your mattress promotes proper spine alignment so that you wake up with fewer aches and pains. Without a bed frame, your mattress can’t uphold your body properly, leading to sagging or dips and weakening the mattress over time.

If you’re sleeping on a mattress that has weakened components from a lack of support, your muscles will be working overtime throughout the night to keep your spine aligned and stop your body from sinking into the mattress. This results in back pain, neck stiffness, and other unpleasant side effects that could be easily avoided if your mattress was supported by a box spring and a bed frame. Remember, your mattress needs a solid foundation to support you, and your body needs support to get the restorative rest it needs. 

3. Bed frames prolong the life of your mattress

Do you need a bedframe and a boxspring? Absolutely. Both of these accessories when working in tandem can prolong the life of your mattress and give you better sleep. The supportive structure of the bed frame and the solid foundation of the box spring keep the components intact for the duration of the mattress’s lifespan and prevent uneven wear of your mattress so that you can sleep on it longer! You can even upgrade to an adjustable mattress base instead of a box spring for more customization of your sleep positioning (read more about the benefits of an adjustable bed).

Do you need a box spring for a memory foam mattress? Yes! Memory foam in particular is even more susceptible to sagging or wear and tear. If you choose to sleep on a foam mattress on the floor, you’re basically cutting its lifespan in half — costing you more money in the future to replace it. Or, if you don’t replace the mattress, your sleep quality will plummet and you’ll experience fatigue, aches and pains, memory and focus problems, along with a laundry list of bad side effects. 

Please note that if you choose to place your mattress on the floor without a bed frame or box spring, you are choosing to void your warranty at most mattress stores including Texas Mattress Makers. Visible dips and sinking-related issues with your mattress caused by a defective box spring or bed frame that was supplied by another manufacturer are also not covered in our warranty.

Support Your Mattress with a Quality Bed Frame from Texas Mattress Makers

Do you need a bed frame? The answer is quite simple: if you want quality sleep that will improve your life, then yes, a bed frame is necessary. We believe that your sleep is worth investing in, and investing in the right mattress doesn’t mean much without providing it with the supportive foundations it needs to last a lifetime — and if you purchase both your mattress and your bed frame from us, it will. 

Come by and visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX! Our experts will work with you to find the mattress, box spring, and bed frame that works best for you!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Myth: Can You Fix a Mattress Dip?
• Reasons You May Be Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
• Sleep Accessories: Helpful or Hoax?
• 5 Mattress Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
• Questions to Ask When Mattress Shopping

Knowing how to spot bad pillow symptoms can save you from many sleepless nights, and keep you from experiencing a future full of pain and discomfort. We talk a lot about finding the right mattress for you, but did you know that finding the right pillow is also important to your sleep health? 

Pillows are one of those sleep accessories that people either treat as an afterthought, buying whatever they can find, or cherish to the point where they can’t sleep without it (and often hold onto an old, non-supportive pillow for much longer than they should). Nonetheless, pillows are absolutely vital to your overall quality of rest. 

Here are some tips for how to spot bad pillow symptoms, plus how to know when it’s time to replace your current one with a quality one.

How do I know if I have a bad pillow?

How can you tell if your pillow is a bad pillow? Don’t they all feel the same? Nope! Just like a mattress, a pillow can exhibit bad pillow symptoms that are clear indicators that you are in need of a newer, high-quality pillow. Here are some signs that your pillow is a bad pillow:

1. The pillow feels deflated or lumpy

Some of us like our pillows to feel like fluffy clouds, but a proper pillow should still support your head throughout the night. The average human head weighs around 11 pounds and while that may not sound like much, your pillow should be able to withstand your head’s weight. If your head and neck are simply sinking into the pillow, or you feel that your pillow has no substance to it at all, it’s likely not supporting your head properly. 

Similarly, your pillow should not feel lumpy. Inconsistent support across your pillow will only result in discomfort. Your pillow should have a consistent firmness or softness to it in each area. If you lay on your pillow and notice that some parts are more comfortable or supportive than others, your pillow likely has lumps. Throw it out!

2. You’re tossing and turning 

If you’re constantly waking up in the middle of the night to toss and turn into different positions, your bad pillow is likely to blame (if it isn’t your mattress). Tossing and turning is a clear sign of discomfort and leads to poor sleep quality overall. 

Your pillow may be causing your restless sleep because it isn’t properly supporting your head and neck as you sleep. Your neck may be tilted back too far, too far forward, or there may be a gap between your neck and the pillow. This can lead to a multitude of health problems (which we’ll touch on later) and will only leave you waking up feeling restless and grumpy. 

Choosing the right pillow for your needs and particular sleep habits can help reduce tossing and turning and provide a more restful night’s sleep.

3. Your neck is out of alignment

Your pillow is a crucial tool in helping you achieve proper spine alignment in tandem with your mattress. If the pillow is too high, too low, too firm, or too soft, your spine alignment can get all out of whack and result in aches and pains the next morning. Your preferred sleeping position will play a large role in how to choose the right pillow for you, specifically due to which pressure points will be in contact with your pillow and your mattress. Essentially, you want to avoid gaps between your neck and the pillow.

For example, a stomach sleeper would benefit from a thinner pillow so as to not lift the neck too much and cause pain. A side sleeper should look for a thicker, more firm pillow to allow the neck to stay in line with the back. Back sleepers should choose a medium-soft pillow that is not too tall so the head doesn’t tilt too far backward or forward.

The comfort level of your pillow can be chosen by personal preference, but a mattress expert from Texas Mattress Makers can help you decide what would be best depending on your needs.  

4. Your pillow is not breathable

If you are a hot sleeper, sleeping on a pillow that makes you feel stuffy is just a nightmare. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I wake up sweating?” there is a chance that your pillow is made with materials that aren’t breathable and cause you to feel too warm as you sleep. Pillows can trap your body heat (yes, heat can escape through your head) and cause the pillow itself to become uncomfortable. Imagine flipping your pillow to the cold side only for it to feel warm again a few moments later! Awful.

Investing in a pillow with cooling properties can help to alleviate this discomfort. Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we offer The Cooling Pillow that is designed to keep you supported, cool, and comfortable all night long. The material is breathable and hypoallergenic for those who struggle with allergies. The best part is that this pillow comes with a removable two-inch high-density memory foam insert so you can customize how tall your pillow stands.

What are the side effects of a bad pillow?

Now that we’ve established some examples of bad pillow symptoms, how does a bad pillow actually impact your body and your sleep quality? If you’re sleeping on the wrong pillow, or just a low-quality pillow, here are some things you may experience. 

• Neck pain: If you’re waking up every morning with a stiff or sore neck, odds are your pillow is not properly supporting your head. Similar to an unsupportive mattress, an unsupportive pillow causes your neck muscles to work overtime in order to support your head, causing strain and pain. 
• Frequent headaches: Can a bad pillow cause headaches? Yes! Strained neck muscles caused by a bad pillow can lead to uncomfortable and frequent tension headaches. Ouch.
• Poor posture: Having a pillow that is too high, low, firm, or soft can lead to poor posture over time. The strain on your neck and shoulders can cause you to slump throughout the day. A quality pillow in the right height and firmness will promote healthy spinal alignment and posture. 
• Allergy flare-ups: Just like a mattress, pillows can collect dust, dirt, dander, and other allergens and cause an allergy flare-up as you sleep. Be sure you’re washing your pillowcases and the pillow itself regularly and keep your bedroom clean.
• Sleep deprivation symptoms: Sleep is essential for your body to function. Without it, your brain and body cannot perform their daily tasks and duties. If you continue to sleep on a low-quality pillow, your body won’t get the rest it needs and you can begin to exhibit sleep deprivation symptoms including irritability, daytime fatigue, stress, loss of focus, and more. 

Does pillow quality matter? Absolutely! A pillow is responsible for keeping your head, neck, and shoulders supported as you sleep. Without the proper comfort and support, you could wake up every morning feeling tired, groggy, and achy. Who wants that? Not us! We want you to get the quality sleep you deserve — and quality sleep starts at Texas Mattress Makers.

Get Better Quality Sleep with Texas Mattress Makers

Avoiding bad pillow symptoms is easy when you consult with a mattress expert about how to choose the right pillow for your needs. Where other stores will just ask you which pillow feels the most comfortable, we’ll ask you about your sleeping habits, preferred sleeping position, and more to determine the right pillow for you. 

Some say that you should replace your pillow every 1-2 years, but if you find a quality pillow that is durable and takes care of your needs, you can likely continue to rest your head on it for years to come! It’s all about finding what works for you.

If you’re ready to get the quality rest your body deserves, head over to any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX! We can’t wait to see you!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Myth: Can You Fix a Mattress Dip?
• Where to Buy the Best Non-Toxic Mattress for Your Home
• Best Mattress for Allergies
• Best Mattress for Kids to Improve Sleep Quality
• Benefits of an Adjustable Mattress Base

When we think of things that could be dangerous to our well-being, our mattresses are probably not very high on that list. However, as consumers become more health- and eco-conscious about the items we buy and use, we learn about new dangerous materials and production methods every day — even your bed might not be safe.

Your mattress should be a sanctuary of safety where the only thing you have to worry about is getting a good night’s sleep — you shouldn’t have to worry about what toxic materials, substances, or chemicals may be living in your mattress. If you’re concerned about what is in your mattress and intend to ensure your space is toxin- and chemical-free, we are here to help. 

The best non-toxic mattress isn’t hard to find when you shop with Texas Mattress Makers. Our mattress experts are here to explain the importance of sleeping on a non-toxic mattress and how you can easily choose one for your bedroom for a great price. 

How do you know if your mattress is toxic?

Here’s a scary fact: most people won’t know that they are sleeping on a toxic mattress until it’s too late. Many large mattress factories typically cut costs by using low-quality materials and manufacturing methods to keep their prices low. This can include adding toxic chemicals in mattresses that the buyer may not even be aware of! 

Over the past few years, shoppers have become more aware of the dangers that sleeping on a cheap, mass-produced mattress can pose to you, your loved ones, and your home (fiberglass shards from bed-in-a-box mattresses? No thank you!) Harmful chemicals or substances like these can have serious implications on your health over time. 

It’s a scary thing to think about, which makes finding a non-toxic mattress a top priority for many responsible and conscientious consumers. 

A note on “new mattress smell”

Before we dive deeper into the importance of getting a non-toxic mattress, we want to address a phenomenon that we like to call “new mattress smell.” Oftentimes, when customers buy a foam mattress specifically, they may notice a strange odor that may be a sign that they bought a toxic mattress.

If you buy a foam mattress from a large retail brand, it is likely that the mattress is off-gassing once it’s taken out of the package. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are present in the foam begin to break down causing a chemical-like odor. You’ll be relieved to know that this is not the case if you buy a foam mattress from Texas Mattress Makers, as our mattresses do not contain any chemicals whatsoever. 

Is it important to get a non-toxic mattress?

Let’s put it this way: if you don’t want harmful toxins in your body, you don’t want harmful toxins coming into contact with your body. A safe sleeping environment is just as important as eating safe foods: both benefit your health greatly. And the best way to ensure that you are sleeping in a safe environment is by choosing a non-toxic mattress.

As we mentioned before, sleeping on a mattress that has been made with harmful chemicals, substances, or other materials can have negative effects on your overall health. Toxic chemicals in mattresses can lead to skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and more. Why would you ever want to sleep on something that can expose you to danger? 

You wouldn’t. So, if you’re suspicious of whether your current mattress is safe or not, it’s time to invest in the best non-toxic mattress for you.

How do you pick a non-toxic mattress?

Contrary to popular belief, non-toxic mattresses are not hard to find or ridiculously expensive — if you shop at the right mattress store! If you’re in the market for a non-toxic mattress but don’t know where to start, our mattress experts have laid out some steps to guide you. 

1. Shop at Texas Mattress Makers

Where you shop for your non-toxic mattress is crucial if you want to ensure that you are leaving with a safe product. And it just so happens that the best non-toxic mattresses in Houston are right here at Texas Mattress Makers. In fact, if you buy any mattress from us, you are purchasing a non-toxic mattress.

As the mattress manufacturer and retailer, we hand-make every mattress we sell right here in our on-site factory. We do not use any chemicals during the manufacturing process and only use safe CertiPUR-US®-certified materials to make our mattresses. This means that our materials, especially our foams, meet the CertiPUR-US strict standards for emissions, makeup, performance, and durability. We don’t cut corners to keep prices low and all of our materials are top-of-the-line in terms of safety and quality. 

2. Find a mattress that is right for you

We make shopping for the best non-toxic mattress that will meet all your sleep needs as simple as possible. Because every mattress we offer is non-toxic in nature, you won’t have to worry about checking every label or grilling a salesperson for information. Our showroom experts are 100% transparent about how each mattress is made, so you can shop around stress-free.

We offer many different types of mattresses in our stores, meaning that you are bound to find your perfect match. For example, if you are on the hunt for the best eco-friendly mattresses, we can showcase our latex mattress benefits and how those components may improve your sleep quality. Or, if you struggle with joint pain as you sleep, we can recommend our 100% safe foam components or other pressure-relieving mattresses to help combat any discomfort. 

Non-toxic? Check. Satisfies your sleep needs? Check. Works with your budget? Check! Find your best non-toxic mattress match with ease with our help.

3. Get the best sleep of your life

At the end of the day, a mattress is meant to help you get the restorative rest your body needs to live a long and healthy life. Now you can enjoy your non-toxic mattress and sleep peacefully knowing that your bed is safe and handcrafted just for you. 

No worries, no stress, just incredible sleep.

Find Your Best Non-Toxic Mattress Match at Any Texas Mattress Makers Location

Finding a non-toxic mattress that fits your needs and your budget is not difficult when you shop at Texas Mattress Makers. All of our mattresses are 100% safe to sleep on and will give you the best night’s sleep you could ever imagine — all for our incredibly low factory prices. 

You and your loved ones deserve to sleep on a bed that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and supported. Wondering if you’re sleeping on a toxic mattress is not worth the risk or the added stress. Ditch your old mattress and upgrade to a non-toxic, sustainable mattress that is made just for you by Texas Mattress Makers. 

If you’re ready to start shopping or have any questions about our manufacturing process, visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX today! We’ll be glad to help you get the sleep you deserve.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Do You Sweat While Sleeping? We Have the Solutions
• Benefits of an Adjustable Mattress Base
• How Stress Affects Sleep: What You Need to Know
• Is Beauty Sleep Real?
• Mattress Buying Guide: Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping