Category: Mattress Myths

If you’re wondering, “What is a bed in a box? Why is everyone talking about these beds on social media?” we can help you out. The bed in a box is a phenomenon that has taken the mattress industry by storm, especially as online shopping has become more popular. 

As mattress experts, we are not huge fans of the bed in a box; in fact, we don’t manufacture or sell this type of mattress, and we likely never will. We’re going to be discussing what a bed in a box is, its function, and why you should consider buying a traditional, good quality mattress from our store instead.

How does a mattress in a box work?

The main difference between a bed in a box vs traditional mattress is the way they are constructed and packaged. Beds in a box are typically mass-produced mattresses made of foam that are rolled and compressed, put into a box, and shipped right to the customer’s door. Some of the biggest mattress retailers, like Purple and Casper, are mattress in a box companies that make and sell beds in a box exclusively. 

What’s the big deal about putting a mattress in a box? Here’s why we, as mattress manufacturers, don’t love the idea of beds in a box.

What is the point of a bed-in-a-box?

For the longest time, customers have had grievances with shopping for mattresses in person and have turned to online retailers for a more convenient shopping experience — but what they don’t know is that this route of purchasing a mattress actually costs them more money in the long run.

Bed in a box companies claim they can eliminate the stress and confusion of the mattress buying process while saving you a trip to the mattress store. Here is what an average bed in a box shopping experience looks like:

• Step 1: You go online and fill out a short questionnaire about your preferences and what you might be looking for.
• Step 2: You’ll look through their limited mattress selection. The listings (which are made up mostly of photos) may further explain the mattresses’ components and what kind of sleeper they might benefit from. 
• Step 3: You’ll choose either a soft, medium, or firm mattress.
• Step 4: You click purchase.
• Step 5: The foam mattress will then be compressed, the air will be vacuumed out of the bag, and your bed will be folded into a box that will be delivered to your door. 

Does it sound too good to be true? In all honesty, it is. Though it is a convenient and easy way to get a mattress, there’s no guarantee that your bed in a box will be a long-lasting, comfortable bed. What you gain in convenience, you will likely lose in comfort, durability, and personalization. A mattress should be able to meet all of your requirements to guarantee lasting comfort and support. 

Here’s what our founder, Youval, and mattress expert, Rachael, have to say about beds in a box — as you can see, Youval isn’t afraid to keep it real.

What are the disadvantages of a bed in a box?

Is a bed in a box worth it? In our expert opinion, no. If you’re trying to choose between a bed in a box vs traditional mattress, a traditional mattress will be better in quality, cost, and longevity. Here are some reasons why beds in a box are not worth their hype.

1. The shopping experience 

With a bed in the box purchase, you’re answering a few surface-level questions without being able to test the mattress, meaning you won’t know if it’s a good fit until you’ve already purchased it. When your bed in a box arrives, you’ll have to wait for your compressed mattress to inflate before you can try it, which can take up to a few days. What if it’s uncomfortable or not what you expected? 

Bed in a box companies know that returning a bed in a box is incredibly difficult and expensive — and they’re banking on you getting used to your imperfect mattress, rather than going through the process of trying again to find something that better suits your needs. 

With a traditional mattress purchase, you’ll likely go to a showroom location where you can try out the mattress, talk to an expert, and leave with a mattress that you’re confident in. Traditional mattresses are sold in what they call “ready to sleep,” meaning you can sleep on your mattress as soon as it arrives at your door.  

In short, you can’t judge a mattress’s comfort or quality by just reading that it’s ‘soft’ or ‘firm’ online. You won’t truly know how it feels until you lie on it, and waiting until after you buy may leave you disappointed for years to come. 

2. The components

A mattress made from low-quality components is simply a bad mattress. Many beds in a box are made out of some of the oldest foam and elastic components in the industry. This foam (referred to as viscoelastic in the industry) is typically produced at an extremely low cost outside of the U.S., meaning it’s more likely to contain chemicals that can be harmful to you — and the materials themselves likely won’t perform well. 

All-foam mattresses like these tend to trap your body heat throughout the night, which will be a nightmare to sleep on if you are a hot sleeper. Even if they use more up-to-date components, the fact that a bed in a box mattress is rolled, folded, and compressed means the foam layer (the comfort layer) will always suffer. Over time, that increases your chances of getting stuck with back, shoulder, and hip pain from the lack of support. 

Every mattress component at Texas Mattress Makers has undergone and passed over 100,000 cycles of vigorous mattress testing from a third-party expert. This ensures that any mattress you purchase from us is of the highest quality possible.

3. The longevity

How long does a bed in a box last? Though some sources claim a bed in a box mattress will last 10 to 15 years, they will almost certainly not last as long as a quality traditional mattress. 

Beds in a box have to be fully compressed and rolled to fit into their boxes. When a foam mattress is compressed, the structure of the components becomes weaker as it has to inflate again to be usable. According to Youval, this cuts the mattress’s lifespan in half before you even use it. Because the support structure is weakened, the mattress won’t be as comfortable as it would have been if you had bought a traditional mattress. 

A weak mattress will not be able to support your body properly for long; therefore, you’ll have to replace your mattress sooner than you would like. This only costs you more time and money.

4. The cost

Some bed in a box mattresses are cheaper than traditional mattresses, which makes them attractive for consumers on a budget. However, as we mentioned earlier, you’ll likely pay more over time to replace poorly made mattresses in a box than you would on one good mattress. 

So, how much does a mattress cost? Or rather, how much should you pay for a good quality mattress? You should invest in a mattress that will give you the best sleep possible. Regardless of your budget, prioritizing your sleep should be important to you, and you need a high-quality mattress to achieve great sleep. 

At Texas Mattress Makers, we work hard to help keep the cost of all of our mattresses affordable even before they are on sale. Since we make all of our own mattresses in-house, we are able to pass on factory-direct pricing straight to our customers. Even our most luxurious mattress won’t bust your budget, and our budget mattress won’t bust your back. It’s a win-win. 

5. The selection (or lack thereof)

If you shop from a bed in a box e-tailer, you will have little-to-no choices that are designed to be one-size-fits-all and this is a huge problem. 

• VERY limited selection: Most retailers only sell about three to four products for you to choose from which is not enough for you to find your perfect match. How can four products satisfy a wide range of sleepers? 
• Little to no variety in size and comfort level: Some sleepers need something more than just soft, medium, and firm. We provide six mattress comfort levels (ultra-soft, soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, and ultra-firm) to give our shoppers more variety to find their perfect feel.
• No customization: Sometimes, what is offered is not what you need. Beds in a box are typically limited to 100% memory foam-variety mattresses so that they can be folded up and compressed. News flash: not everyone needs an all-foam mattress. We can customize mattresses to include the components you want to ensure a better night’s sleep.

Customers who like the feel of foam often fare better with a foam comfort layer that’s found in the top layer of a hybrid mattress — a mattress that combines the support of individually wrapped coils with the comfort of foam or latex. While some bed in a box e-tailers do sell hybrid mattresses, their selection is typically minimal. At Texas Mattress Makers, you’ll find the best budget hybrid mattress for your needs.

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Skip the Box: Find the Best Mattress Match for You

So, what is a bed in a box? This popular mattress type, to us, is not worth your time or money. The convenience will cost you your comfort and the quality you deserve. At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe the right mattress is an investment in your long-term comfort. That’s why it’s worth choosing a traditional mattress with high-quality components for your best night’s sleep.

Texas Mattress Makers is one of the top custom mattress makers in Houston. All of our Houston mattresses are manufactured on-site in our factory and have been proven to last as long as possible.  

Don’t settle for a mattress that comes in a box. Visit any of our Houston mattress stores today to check out our top-quality mattresses for lower, factory-direct prices. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• The Texas Mattress Makers Difference 
• Where to Find an Affordable Queen Mattress
• Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
• How Do You Know When You Need a New Mattress?
• Why Your New Mattress Feels Different Than In-Store

Getting a good night’s sleep is an absolute necessity, so why does it sometimes feel like such a luxury? Despite feeling tired (or even exhausted), many people find themselves tossing and turning or lying in bed awake unable to drift off into a peaceful sleep. Sound familiar?

What do I do if I can’t fall asleep? If you’re one of the many people out there asking yourself this question, you should know that you’re not alone in this struggle. Not being able to fall asleep or having trouble sleeping even when you desperately need to is a surprisingly common occurrence and can be a frustrating experience — especially if you’re not sure what to do about it. 

Do I stay in bed? Does counting sheep really work? If I just keep my eyes closed, will I fall asleep eventually?

You have questions and we have answers. We’ll explore various strategies and tips to help you overcome sleepless nights and achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

Before we get into it, here are some quick tips for what to do if you can’t fall asleep:

• Go into a different room
• Read a book
• Listen to soothing music or a meditation 
• Do some stretches 
• Practice deep breathing
• Avoid electronics

Why can’t I sleep at night even when I’m tired?

Before we get into possible solutions to your sleep troubles, it’s important to understand why you might be having trouble sleeping. There are many different reasons why you may be waking up in the middle of the night or can’t seem to fall asleep. Although sleep troubles occur on a case-by-case basis, many people can relate to at least a few of these scenarios. 

Several factors can contribute to insomnia or sleep disturbances including: 

• Stress or anxiety: How does stress affect sleep? Stress spikes your cortisol levels, which keeps your body alert and can make it difficult to wind down before bed.
• Poor sleep habits: If you’re constantly pulling all-nighters, indulging in alcohol or caffeine, or scrolling on your phone too close to bedtime, your sleep habits could be keeping you awake (Keep reading: How much sleep do I really need?).
• An uncomfortable sleep environment: Be sure that your room is kept at a cool temperature and that it is dark and quiet so that you can feel as relaxed as possible. 
• An unsupportive mattress: Read up on the signs you need a new mattress to see if your current mattress is keeping you from getting the quality rest you deserve.

Identifying the root cause of your sleep troubles is the first step toward finding effective solutions. If you think you’re having trouble sleeping due to a sleep disorder such as insomnia or hypersomnia, consulting with a medical professional could help you get on the right track to getting quality sleep. 

6 tips to fall asleep

Here are some helpful tips for what to do if you can’t fall asleep that will assist in calming your mind and body.

1. Go into a different room

Should you get up if you can’t sleep? It may seem counterproductive to get out of bed when you’re trying to fall asleep, but there are benefits to leaving your bed if you’re feeling restless. Struggling to fall asleep can cause stress and frustration, therefore leaving the area can help you relieve some of that stress and return with a clearer mind. In fact, experts and studies generally recommend getting up and engaging in a relaxing activity if you’ve been lying awake for more than 20-30 minutes. 

2. Read a book

Ever wonder why you get sleepy when reading a book close to bedtime? Much like physical exercise, reading is a cognitive exercise for the mind that can help reduce stress. If you find yourself lying awake at night, head into a different room and grab a book. So, how long should you read to fall asleep? Reading for about 30 minutes to an hour will give your brain enough time to slow down and put your body back into a state of relaxation and you can try to go to bed again. If you struggle to fall asleep frequently, reading is a great activity to incorporate into your nightly routine to help you unwind before bed.

3. Listen to soothing music or a meditation 

If reading isn’t really your jam, or you’re someone who gets too immersed in stories, try listening to soothing music or following a meditation exercise. Sometimes, we can’t sleep because our brains can’t seem to turn off properly — making music or guided meditation a perfect tool to learn how to clear your mind and sleep. Soft, calming melodies or guided meditation tracks can help slow down your heart rate, relax tense muscles, and quiet racing thoughts, making it easier to drift back into a sleepy state. 

4. Do some stretches 

Stretching before bed or when you’re having trouble sleeping is a great routine to relax both your body and mind to relieve any tension that may be causing you to stay awake. Remember how we said that feeling stressed can keep you up at night? Even if you’re not in a current state of worry, our bodies still carry a lot of tension. Stretching allows your muscles to release any stiffness or discomfort so you can fully relax into your mattress. Once you finish your stretches, lie back down in your preferred sleeping position, close your eyes, and stay as relaxed as possible until you drift off to sleep. 

5. Practice deep breathing

There are many different breathing techniques that you can utilize to help you fall asleep, but they all have the same goal: to reduce stress and promote relaxation. A common deep breathing exercise for sleep is what is known as the 4-7-8 method, where you inhale for four seconds, hold that breath for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds repetitively to complete four full cycles. What this does is calm the nervous system to relax your body while also exercising your mind with counting. You may doze off during one of the four cycles, but if not, you will be in a more tranquil state that will make falling asleep easier. 

6. Avoid electronics

While your first instinct may be to grab your phone or the television remote for a late-night distraction, turning to electronics to help you fall back asleep will only have the opposite effect. 

The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and keep you awake. Social media and TV can also be too stimulating for your brain late at night, and before you know it, you’ve been scrolling or binge-watching for hours. When you can’t fall asleep, electronics should not be an option for relief; instead, try the other five tips we’ve listed above to keep your mind and body at ease so you can get the rest you need.

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Can a bad mattress keep you up at night?

Absolutely! Your mattress plays a significant role in the quality of your sleep, so if you’re sleeping on a bad mattress, you will only experience bad sleep. Over time, low-quality mattresses can lose their supportiveness and comfort, leading to aches, pains, and other sleep disturbances. 

If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to consider investing in a new mattress:

• You wake up with aches and pains (typically in the neck, shoulders, hips, and back)
• You notice visible sagging or lumps in the mattress
• You constantly wake up feeling stiff or sore
• You are tossing and turning throughout the night
• Your allergy symptoms flare up when you get in bed

If you’re having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, and you can confidently rule out any medical explanations, you may have trouble falling asleep because you’re sleeping on a bad mattress. If so, it might be time to upgrade to a high-quality mattress from Texas Mattress Makers — one that makes falling asleep a joy every single night.

Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer with Texas Mattress Makers

If you’re wondering what to do if you can’t fall asleep: first, focus on relaxing your mind and relieving your body of any tension. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine that prioritizes winding down and de-stressing can make falling asleep a less daunting task and more of an enjoyable nighttime ritual. However, no amount of deep breathing, meditation, or stretching can make up for a bad mattress.

If you’re trying to improve your sleep quality and get your best night’s sleep yet, it’s time to upgrade to a better mattress. Texas Mattress Makers offers handmade-in-Houston, top-quality mattresses for low, factory-direct prices that are tailored to your unique sleep needs. Say goodbye to aches and pains, tossing and turning, and restless nights and hello to deep, healthy sleep. 

Want to fall asleep easily every night and wake up feeling refreshed each morning? Visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, or Baybrook, TX, or shop online to get your forever mattress.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Reviews: What Our Customers Love About Our Mattresses
• How Coffee Affects Sleep: When to Cut Out Caffeine
• How Does Sleep Affect Mental Health?
• How to Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule
• Why You Shouldn’t Invest in a Smart Mattress

Is a firm mattress better for your back? This is a question we hear often from back sleepers who struggle with whether they should purchase a soft or firm mattress for back pain. Although the myth states that a firmer mattress will make your back feel better, we can say for certain that this is not true for every sleeper.

There are two important factors to discuss on the subject:

1. Whether you need a firm or soft mattress will depend on your personal needs
2. There is a difference between a firm feel and a supportive mattress

In general, people who struggle with back pain after getting out of bed are suffering because their spine isn’t getting enough support from their mattress. So, how do you know which type of mattress is best for your back? Our mattress experts will be answering frequently asked questions surrounding the topic of whether a firm mattress is better for your back.

Q: Are firm or soft mattresses better for your back?

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress? The debate between a soft or firm mattress for back pain doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. What type of mattress you need depends on your body type, support needs, and comfort preferences. In other words, a firm mattress may better suit some sleepers whereas a soft mattress may benefit others.

The bottom line is that the best mattress for your back will promote proper spine alignment to eliminate aches and pains and provide you with the restorative sleep your body needs. If you sleep on the wrong type of mattress (one that is too soft or too firm) you run the risk of not forming mattress body impressions that promote healthy spinal alignment for your spine. Ultimately, you want a bed that will deliver the right amount of comfort and support to strike a healthy balance — and this can be achieved either with a firm or a soft mattress.

Our founder Youval and mattress expert Rachael dive into how firm your mattress should be.

Q: Are firm mattresses more supportive? 

Not necessarily. There is a difference between a firm mattress and a supportive mattress — the two are not mutually exclusive. A supportive mattress promotes proper spinal alignment and helps keep the curve of your spine in a neutral position; it doesn’t “flatten” these curves or create more curves. You don’t want any gaps between your body and the mattress. 

Firmness applies to the feel and comfort of the mattress along with terms like softness, plushness, etc. The feel of a mattress, like a firm vs. a soft mattress, for example, is a personal preference. With that being said, not all firm-feeling mattresses are going to be supportive for every sleeper. A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not help your back pain — instead, you need to find a mattress that will accommodate your needs. 

Q: Are soft beds bad for your back? 

Soft mattresses often get a bad reputation for worsening back pain. For example, many mattress retailers will argue that soft mattresses worsen conditions like sciatica because soft mattresses cause sinkage and can’t support your back. This is not always the case for every soft mattress. In fact, the best mattress for sciatica pain relief is a mattress that will provide the proper comfort and support you need for your back. 

Ultimately, no, soft beds are not inherently bad for your back. A soft mattress may contour better to the body, providing relief for pressure points. However, if a soft mattress is not paired with the right supportive components for your body, you could sink into the mattress too deeply, causing misalignment and discomfort. Again, it’s all about striking that right balance. 

Q: How do I know if I need a firm or soft mattress?

How will I know whether I should get a softer or a firmer mattress? No worries, you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. If you decide to shop for your new mattress with Texas Mattress Makers, there are two routes you can take to find your perfect mattress:

1. Visit a showroom in person: The reason that we recommend every customer visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores is so that you can test out different mattress types and comfort levels to leave with the most supportive mattress possible. Our experts guide you through every step of the process, getting to know you and your needs so that we can help you choose your perfect mattress.
2. Take our Sleep Quiz and shop online: Our Sleep Quiz asks you pointed questions about your personal preferences and sleep habits to direct you toward a mattress that we believe will satisfy your needs and give you quality sleep. Even if you decide to shop online, we still recommend coming into our showroom and trying your mattress results out in person to be 100% sure! Many customers who take our quiz and come into the store end up falling in love with the mattress the quiz said was their best match.

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How to tell if your bed is causing back pain

According to Veritas Health, there are correlations between getting a good night’s sleep and alleviating back pain. For example, if you’re not sleeping well, your body cannot produce the correct hormones needed to heal your body as you sleep, thus alleviating pain. Here are some telltale signs that your bed may be the culprit: 

1. Your pain is worse when you wake up

If you wake up every morning with aches and pains in your back, it could mean that your mattress is not giving you the support you need. A good, supportive mattress will support your spine, allowing your muscles to relax and decompress as you sleep. But, a bad mattress will deny your spine the support it needs, meaning your muscles will have to work harder to support your spine throughout the night. When you wake up, you’ll be left with aching muscles and lower back pain. This is why it’s crucial to find the best mattresses for back and hip pain that accommodate your specific needs and it may not be the one that every mattress retailer tells you to buy.

2. You can’t seem to get comfortable throughout the night

Some sleepers find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position when experiencing back pain. Similar to our point above, if your mattress isn’t supporting your spine, your body can’t relax. In other words, your tossing and turning may be linked to your mattress not having the proper support.

A mattress’s main role is to keep you comfortable and support your body all night long. If you’re currently experiencing discomfort, it’s time to find a new mattress that will help you feel relaxed and cozy for a good night’s sleep. 

3. You get your best night’s sleep on vacations

You may get better rest on your vacation because you are simply more relaxed. But if you’re waking up without pain or with less pain while sleeping on a hotel mattress or a mattress in a guest bedroom, that’s a pretty good indicator that your mattress is at least partially to blame for your back pain. Getting better sleep elsewhere means that your current mattress is not right for you and you should find a new one that you’ll actually enjoy sleeping on (and waking up in) every night.

4. You have pre-existing conditions 

In the doctor’s office, the answer to the question, “Is a firm mattress better for your back?” used to always be a definitive yes. Why would a doctor recommend a firm mattress if they aren’t always the best choice? Doctors used to recommend that patients with chronic pain sleep on a firmer mattress because they believed the harder surface provided more support. 

However, studies have shown that people with low back pain who slept on hard beds had the poorest sleep quality. Firm mattresses are not recommended if you have more severe back conditions including scoliosis and arthritis. Instead, you should speak with one of our mattress experts to find a bed that will help relieve your back pain properly for your unique needs. 

What type of mattress is best for back pain? 

As mentioned earlier, no one mattress will alleviate back pain for everyone. What may be comfortable for a few nights can’t guarantee a lifetime of good sleep. Any mattress, so long as it comes with the appropriate corresponding level of support for your needs, will help alleviate pain and improve sleep quality over time. Our mattress experts at our Houston-area showrooms can help you choose the best mattress for you. We have a wide range of comfort levels ranging from ultra-soft to ultra-firm.

• Ultra-Soft, Soft, and Medium-Soft: A soft-feeling mattress is recommended as the best mattress for side sleepers because it provides extra cushion for your hips and shoulders and keeps your spine in a neutral position. 
• Medium and Medium-Firm: A medium to medium-firm mattress is the best mattress for stomach sleepers since it will help keep your hips elevated, preventing aches and pains in your back. 
• Firm and Ultra-Firm: If you carry weight, sleep on your back, or sleep on your stomach, a firm mattress may help alleviate lower back pain by distributing your body weight more evenly across the mattress. This way, your back isn’t curving as much while you sleep.

Find Your Perfect, Supportive Mattress at a Texas Mattress Makers: The Best Mattress Store in Houston!

So, is a firm mattress better for your back? Not necessarily. As we’ve said before, it all depends on what you need from your mattress. Every sleeper has a unique set of needs and personal preferences that can be catered to with the right mattress. You can easily find a mattress that strikes the right balance between comfort and support when you shop with us.

Texas Mattress Makers offers quality mattresses handmade right here in the state of Texas. Unlike other manufacturers, our passion lies in helping you find the perfect mattress that will last you a lifetime, not just a few years. If you struggle with back pain, we can help you get the comfortable and restorative rest you deserve with your perfect mattress for a great price. 

Our quality and factory-direct prices speak for themselves. Visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, or Baybrook, TX today, or shop online to find the perfect mattress for your back.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• How Long Does it Take to Break in a Mattress?
• Mattress Myth: Can You Fix a Mattress Dip?
• Why Your New Mattress Feels Different Than In-Store
• Does Sleep Help Heal Injuries?
• Is it Worth Investing in a Mattress?

The worst has happened: you discover that your bed has a mattress dip. What do you do?! Is there a way to fix it? What can be done to salvage your mattress?! Over the years we have seen (and debunked) a lot of mattress myths pertaining to dips in a mattress: what exactly they are, how they are caused, and most importantly, once your mattress has a mattress dip, can you fix it?

While some people say that you can fix a mattress dip with a few simple DIY methods, mattress experts from Texas Mattress Makers are here to tell you that they are wrong. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to properly “fix” a mattress dip — and these methods for resolving the problem will only prolong your discomfort. We’ll get into why these methods don’t work, but first, let’s discuss what causes a mattress to dip in the first place.

What causes a mattress to dip?

When we talk about mattress dips, please note that we are not referring to the natural indentations that form in your mattress as you sleep on it, better known as mattress body impressions. These indentations are natural and promote proper spinal alignment so that your body can be supported best by your mattress. A mattress dip is different than a body impression because it is likely more than two inches deep* and may not occur where you physically lay on the mattress. 

If you want to hear more about this topic from our founder, Youval Meicler, skip to 2:15 to hear about the differences between mattress dips and body impressions and how harmful mattress dips can come to be.

How bad components can cause a mattress to dip

When you buy a high-quality mattress, the mattress’s support and comfort components will conform to your body specifically to promote healthy sleep. The components, if they are high-quality, will be able to withstand your weight and support your body properly over time. If you purchase a low-quality mattress made with low-quality materials, the odds are high that those components will collapse and form a dip, a dent, or will sag. 

A big mattress dip is clear evidence that your mattress is not supporting you because the components are breaking down beneath you. In other words, you are sleeping on a bad mattress — and a bad mattress can’t be fixed, even if others say differently. This is why we highly advise you to come into our showroom and have our experts guide you toward a mattress that is durable enough for your body specifically to help prevent mattress dips in the future. 

*Check out our Factory Warranty for more information on mattress dip specifications and see how we help our customers.

How to fix a mattress dip: Unpacking the myths

So if a sagging mattress can’t be fixed, why are there so many articles on the internet telling you that you can fix a mattress dip? To make a long story short, the majority of these articles offer temporary solutions to even out the surface of the sagging mattress. They do not offer solid advice on how to actually fix the dip — because it can’t be done. 

If you were to search how to fix a mattress dip, here are some “solutions” that you might find, along with the reasons why they won’t work.

Myth solution #1: Throw on a mattress topper 

The logic in this tip is that by placing a mattress topper over the entire mattress, you will create an even surface to sleep on and cover the dip…right? Wrong. The problem with this method is that a mattress topper is made of a soft material that can mold into the dip which doesn’t fix the problem at all. Not only this, but mattress toppers tend to be a barrier between your body and the comfort and supportive components of your mattress, meaning you won’t feel any of the benefits of the mattress. It’s counterproductive and it doesn’t fix the problem.  

If anyone tries to sell you the best mattress topper for a sagging mattress — spoiler alert: there isn’t one — don’t give them the time of day. Don’t waste your money on a flimsy topper, and instead invest in a high-quality mattress with strong components that won’t sag over time.

Myth solution #2: Rotate or flip your mattress

In our article, Should You Rotate Your Mattress?, we discuss in detail why flipping or rotating your mattress is not a smart thing to do in any situation (even if the entire internet tells you it prolongs the life of your mattress, it doesn’t). 

If you rotate your bed, you will lose the natural body impressions that have been made on your side of the mattress which can cause discomfort. If you flip a mattress that isn’t double-sided, you’d be sleeping on the underside of the supportive base layer rather than the top, comfort layer. Supportive components are not meant to provide cushion and are not pleasant to sleep on top of. The result? You wake up with more aches and pains than you did while sleeping on a sagging mattress.

The main reason why this method doesn’t work is because the dip will still be present in your mattress and you will still be uncomfortable. 

Myth solution #3: Stick a pillow in the dip

This is basically the same as the mattress topper method but instead performed by placing pillows inside the dip or dent to “even out” the surface of the mattress. Pillows are not the best at keeping their shape as they’re meant to be soft and comfortable for our heads, making them the least ideal candidate for plugging up a sagging mattress. 

Nevertheless, this “solution” has similar issues to the mattress topper in that it can still create discomfort throughout the night by essentially replacing the dent with a lumpy surface. 

The bottom line is that there is no way to fix a mattress dip. If your mattress is sagging, the components are faulty and will not give you the sleep you deserve. You will be better off fixing the issue at the source by getting rid of your sagging mattress and investing in a high-quality bed made with components that are durable and long-lasting.

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Have a Mattress Dip? Time to Upgrade with a Texas Mattress Makers Mattress

If you’re constantly waking up in the middle of the night due to discomfort, it could be because you have a mattress dip or because your mattress just isn’t right for you. Some people may think it’s silly to replace a mattress because of a dip, but we’re here to tell you that this is the wisest decision you can make. A mattress dip compromises the entire mattress; it can ruin your sleep quality, which can in turn impact your quality of life. If your mattress has a dip, it’s time for an upgrade, and we can help with that.

Our handmade mattresses are crafted with top-of-the-line components that support your body and provide the perfect amount of comfort for the best quality sleep. We only use the most durable, innovative components on the market that are sourced and made right here in the USA. Our mattresses won’t give out on you, sag, dip, or anything of the sort. They will conform to your body nicely over time and continue to provide unparalleled comfort and support.

Shop online or visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX to find your dream mattress for a better price! Say goodbye to pesky mattress dips and hello to the best sleep of your life! 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Is it Worth Investing in a Mattress? 
• Best Mattresses for Heavy People
• The Dangers of Buying a Used Mattress
• Best Mattress for Sciatica: Unpacking Myths
• What Type of Mattress is the Most Supportive?

If you’re waking up tired regularly, you may turn to sleep accessories to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. But do eye masks, noise machines, supplements, and pillow sprays actually improve your sleep quality? That’s what we’re here to discuss. 

What products help you sleep better? 

The truth is that while certain types of sleep accessories have benefits that are backed by science, others fall flat. We’re here to tell you which is which so that you can save your money and get the rest you need. 

The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers know a lot about what you can do to get your best night’s sleep. Here are some popular sleep accessories, some of which can actually help you to get good sleep, while others are hoaxes that should be avoided at all costs. 

Eye mask: Helpful

Also known as a sleep mask or eye cover, an eye mask has become one of the most popular sleep accessories on the market. Images of women in their silky eye masks grace mattress ads and sleep-related billboards, but it begs the question, does an eye mask actually help you sleep better?

The answer is, in most cases, yes! 

While some may see them as a “feminine or frivolous” accessory, an eye mask can block out excessive light, allowing you to fall into a deeper sleep faster with fewer disruptions. Consistent darkness as you sleep allows you to enter and stay in your REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle for longer — this is crucial for feeling rested the next morning as well as your brain’s ability to store memories. 

Some people find that an eye mask helps them to keep their eyes closed as they drift off to sleep. We would recommend finding a mask with a protruding or goggle-like design that doesn’t apply any pressure to your eyelids for maximum comfort. 

Magnesium supplements: Undecided 

Magnesium supplements for sleep have become all the rage on TikTok lately, with users sharing their “sleepy mocktail” recipes. This recipe or magic sleep potion, as one user called it, typically consists of tart cherry juice, prebiotic soda, and — most notably — magnesium powder. 

The science of magnesium’s effects on healthy sleep quality is widely underdetermined. While magnesium can relax muscles, making you feel a bit more calm, there is no evidence to prove that taking magnesium is linked to getting better sleep. It may work for some, but not for all.

Similar to taking melatonin supplements, specialists say that you should avoid taking magnesium supplements daily and instead focus on eating magnesium-rich foods including fish, legumes, and cashews to name a few.

Noise machine: Helpful

For those living in the city, investing in a noise machine for sleep can be beneficial in helping you get some much-needed shuteye. Unfortunately, we’re constantly surrounded by sounds — car horns, barking dogs, or (if you’re really unlucky) a partner who snores like a chainsaw. A noise machine’s job is to block out all of those sounds to aid your brain in relaxation with less distraction. 

There are many types of sounds that can help with sleep, the most common being white noise, but studies have shown that pink noise is becoming a more popular and effective soundtrack for snoozing. Pink noise (often found in nature-related sounds) is proven to help people relax and fall asleep faster due to its less-distracting and calming frequencies.

Having a noise machine for sleep in your bedroom can assist in stabilizing your sleep and overall improving its quality so you can feel well-rested!

Pillow sprays: Hoax

Pillow sprays can help transform your bedroom into a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere with the help of their pleasant aromas — but do pillow sprays really help you sleep better? In our expert opinion, pillow sprays are more of a gimmick than an effective sleep aid. 

Although popular pillow spray scents like lavender and chamomile have been proven to help with relaxation, no studies have been conducted to prove that pillow sprays improve sleep quality. In fact, at most, essential oils containing lavender, chamomile, or jasmine can assist in helping you to fall asleep faster but may not help you achieve deep, restful sleep. 

If a brand is charging you $30 for lavender-scented water to spritz your pillow with, run. Many sleep brands sell overpriced sleep accessories by promising they will provide you with “your best sleep ever.”  

However, the secret they don’t want you to uncover is that you won’t reap the benefits of even the best sleep accessories if you’re sleeping on a bad mattress. 

What can I do to sleep better at night?

If you want to invest in bettering your sleep quality, first look at your mattress: the literal foundation of your sleep. If your current mattress is low-quality, old, or not complimentary to your body and its needs, then you will not get the quality of rest you need…and spending hundreds of dollars on sleep accessories won’t fix the problem.

Those who toss and turn during the night or wake up with aches and pains are likely sleeping on a mattress that is not right for them. For example, the firmness level may be too hard or too soft or the mattress’s components may not accurately support the sleeper’s body. But, how do you know which mattress is right for you, specifically?

That’s where we come in. 

Need Help Choosing Your Dream Mattress?

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Get Your Best Mattress for the Best Price with Texas Mattress Makers

Let’s be clear: the only tool you need to get the best night’s sleep is a quality mattress made for your needs, and even the most helpful sleep accessories should be considered just a bonus. However, there are some mattress accessories that you may find useful! For example, if you’re looking for the best adjustable base bed to reduce pain and enhance circulation as you sleep, we sell a variety of adjustable bases that can meet a wide range of needs!  

At the end of the day, choosing your perfect mattress does not have to be difficult or stressful. When shopping with Texas Mattress Makers, you can get an incredibly good mattress price on a bed that will tick all of your boxes. Your days of settling for less are over! 

Visit any of our mattress stores in Katy, Downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Rosenberg, Humble, and Baybrook, TX today to find your perfect mattress match.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Is Beauty Sleep Real?
• Questions to Ask When Mattress Shopping
• Best Mattresses for Heavy People
• Does Sleep Help Heal Injuries?
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Sleep myths have been circulating the internet for as long as it’s been around. While they seem to be harmless, myths about sleep — and how to get as much or as little of it as possible — encourage unhealthy sleep habits that can be detrimental to your overall health and quality of life. Have no fear, the experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to help you sort through what is real and what is bogus.

Texas Mattress Makers cares about your quality of sleep, which is why we are here to debunk common sleep myths that may cause you more harm than good.

1. Your body can function on 5 (or fewer) hours of sleep 

In a world where people are expected to be on the go 24/7 for work or education, sleep has become less of a priority for students and adults everywhere. The overwhelming urge to pull an all-nighter to finish that paper or report has led people to learn how to “teach their bodies” to function on 5 or fewer hours of sleep instead of getting the recommended 7-8 hours. 

Sure, a few nights of insufficient sleep won’t be detrimental, but if this becomes a long-term habit, you will start to feel the consequences. 

• You will be tired during the day (also known as fatigue or “daytime sleepiness”)
• You won’t be able to focus or think creatively
• You can become more forgetful
• You could become sick more often
• Your digestive system and metabolism will be affected 
• You may develop cardiovascular or other health issues
• Your mental health will decline (read more: how does sleep affect mental health)
• And more

Staying up later is not worth risking your health for. Try your best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule so that your body can get the proper amount of rest needed.

2. You can get good quality sleep at any time

There are some people out there who believe that as long as you are sleeping the recommended 7-8 hours, you can sleep at any time during a day’s 24 hours. This is very common for people who work overnight shifts and sleep in the morning and into the afternoon instead of at night. However, when you decide to sleep is almost as important as how long you sleep.

Sleeping when it’s dark out is more beneficial for your body’s circadian rhythm or internal clock. As humans, our brains naturally begin to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, when it becomes dark out. Our bodies are essentially conditioned to get our full hours of sleep when it is dark — throughout the night. If you are suppressing yawns into the morning and decide to sleep through the afternoon, you will not get good quality sleep. Period. Work with your body — not against it. 

3. A firm mattress is always better

As experts in the mattress industry, this sleep myth is one we hear too often for our liking. Many articles on the web address pressing questions such as, “is a firm mattress better for your back?” or claim statements like “the best mattress for sciatica is always a firm mattress.” Although we have addressed both of these specific myths on our blog, the answer is no: a firm mattress is not always better.

While a firm mattress can be beneficial for many types of sleepers, it is not suitable for every sleeper. So, is a soft or firm mattress better? It depends on what firmness level would suit your needs best. Mattress preferences are very unique to each individual sleeper. This is why we recommend visiting one of our showrooms in person so that you can try out many different types of mattresses to figure out what best suits you. 

4. Naps can fix sleep deprivation 

Don’t take this the wrong way, we love a little 15-minute snooze as much as the next person! But the myth that naps can solve sleep deprivation as a substitute for a full night’s rest is a harmful one to believe. While a short nap can provide a small boost of energy, it will not provide your body with the restorative rest it needs, which can have negative effects in the long run.

Napping during the day can also make it more difficult to fall asleep at night, throwing off your sleep schedule and your circadian rhythm, resulting in low-quality sleep. The best way to cope with sleep deprivation is to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep every night. 

If you’re going to take a nap, try to keep it under 30 minutes so that you don’t wake up groggier than you felt before.

5. It’s better to sleep in warmer temperatures

A cozy and warm environment may seem more suitable for snoozing, but in reality, stuffy temperatures can actually lead to disturbed sleep. Our bodies naturally begin to cool down as they prepare for sleep and will continue to drop in temperature throughout the night. Then, when it’s time for us to naturally awaken, core body temperatures will rise again. This natural process is what helps to keep us asleep throughout the night and wake up naturally.

If your bedroom temperature is higher than ~68 degrees Fahrenheit, or you’re buried underneath a plethora of blankets, this process may be disturbed, causing you to wake up intermittently during the night (also known as tossing and turning). 

Most sleep scientists recommend keeping your thermostat between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit while sleeping. If you tend to sleep hot, Texas Mattress Makers can recommend the best cooling mattress for your needs from our cooling collection.

Debunk Sleep Myths With The Experts at Texas Mattress Makers

Sleep myths can be hard to avoid, especially when the internet is flooded with false information. But with the help of Texas Mattress Makers, you can develop healthy sleep habits that will give you quality sleep for years to come. 

Quality sleep leads to a quality life, and the right mattress is a great tool to help you achieve your best night’s sleep. Stop by one of our Houston-area showrooms to try our handmade mattresses in person to begin your journey to better sleep. Our mattresses are some of the best in Texas, and that is not a myth in our eyes. 

Come on in and see for yourself! Your dream mattress may be just one click or visit away.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• What to Look for in a Mattress
• Best Mattresses for Heavy People
• The Dangers of Buying a Used Mattress
• Plush vs. Soft Mattress: What is the Difference?
• Best Mattress for Co-Sleeping

Though many mattress retailers will try to sell you a mass-produced mattress made out of basic mattress components, we are here to tell you that mattress construction matters to get your best night’s sleep. 

When you walk into a classic mattress store, you might notice that all of the white rectangles look the same. If you were to sit on a few, you might also think that they feel similar. Because of this, you might be tricked into thinking that mattresses are, for the most part, all the same — and this could not be further from the truth.

While most mattresses look the same from the outside, the difference is in the details of the layers inside. What your mattress is made of is what is going to make the difference between a terrible night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep. After 40+ years of being in the mattress industry, our founder Youval Meicler shares his knowledge and expertise by explaining why mattress construction matters.

What are the components of a mattress?

Mattresses are made up of two main mattress layers with different components: the comfort layer (the top layer) and the support systems (the bottom layer). The comfort layer is typically made up of types of foam, latex, or other materials that contribute to the overall feel and comfortability of the mattress. The support layer is made of resilient and durable materials like individually wrapped coils in a hybrid mattress or our Quantum coil mattress component that are meant to give the support your body needs in order to achieve proper spinal alignment and relief for your body’s pressure points.

If two mattresses were to have the exact same comfort layer on the top, they would feel the same — at first. It’s what’s below that layer — the lower layers of the support system — that matters in the long run. The support — the part you can’t really see, feel, or compare on your own — is actually the most critical component to a great night’s sleep. Here’s why.

Why mattress construction matters

Not all mattresses are made equal. Similar to most products, some are made with higher quality materials than others. In today’s industry, it’s common for customers to prioritize convenience and cost over comfort and quality. They may purchase just any mattress because it’s cheaper without really looking at how the mattress is constructed or what it’s made of.

Mattress construction matters because if you purchase a mattress made with low-quality materials or it does not contain the right mattress components to support your body, you will end up with a mattress that reduces your sleep quality, and in turn, your quality of life. A mattress with low-quality materials will also put you back shopping for a mattress sooner than you, and your budget, want. That’s why our experts are here to help you find the best mattress so you can get back to your best night’s sleep soon and for longer.

The importance of the support layer

The support system you choose can literally make or break your sleep quality over time. Your mattress is meant to support your body and provide you with proper spinal alignment as you sleep — if it does not accomplish that, it is a bad mattress. Having a bad mattress can result in aches and pains, lost sleep, and other health concerns. 

The importance of the comfort layer 

The components in the comfort layer are also very important because they need to be the right quality and the right type for your individual sleep needs and comfort preferences. There are many different types of foam that are made to achieve different feels and offer different levels of comfort. There are also foam alternatives that are made to help achieve a different type of comfort. We have a variety of options and the expertise to help educate you on what the different components are in the comfort layer and how they will help you achieve your best night’s sleep.

The importance of choosing the right mattress components

Mattresses that look and feel exactly alike can be made of different mattress components. If you aren’t aware of this, you may end up purchasing a mattress that is not right for you. When you are shopping for the perfect mattress, it’s important to be aware of what you really need out of a mattress before buying one. 

Every individual has their own unique set of needs in order to get quality sleep every night, and different mattress components can better suit different needs. Factors such as your body type, your weight and height, and your preferred sleeping position can determine what type of mattress components will be best for you. 

How to test a mattress

The best way to determine if a mattress is right for you is to test it before you buy it. If you’re wondering how to test a mattress, we use the S.L.E.E.P test for customers who visit any of our showroom locations. 

Select a mattress.

Lie down in your typical sleep position.

Evaluate the level of comfort and support.

Educate yourself about each selection.

Partners should test beds together.

While testing out a mattress, spend extra time in the position you usually sleep in. It can take up to 15 minutes to relax enough to feel the true support of a mattress. Don’t rush it! The more time you take in a store, the less likely you’ll have buyer’s remorse later on.

Mattress Construction Comes First at Texas Mattress Makers

Texas Mattress Makers prioritizes mattress construction. In order to get the best night’s sleep possible, you need to purchase a mattress that is made from high-quality mattress components with the proper support system that is right for you, not anyone else. Our competitors do not invest in the same level of components that we do because they are more focused on mass production over quality in mattress construction — and they do not want to sell you a mattress that will last 10+ years in the hopes that you will spend more money over time. However, a high-quality mattress should not cost you an arm and a leg.

Because we handmake all of our mattresses in our on-site factory, we are able to provide our customers with a top-tier product for a lower price. The perk of buying a factory-direct mattress from Texas Mattress Makers is that you can rely on our experts and local craftsmen to help you to find the best mattress for your needs. We would love to help you sleep your best by educating you on the true differences between choices and the support you need.

If you’re curious about how to shop for a mattress, there are many ways to go about the process. You can shop online, call 713-341-6252 to speak with an expert, or visit any of our convenient Houston showroom locations today to find your dream mattress. Better sleep awaits!

More Beducation by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Does Memory Foam Need a Box Spring?
• What is a Natural Latex Mattress?
• Is There an Alternative to Memory Foam Mattresses?
• Can a Non-Toxic Mattress Still Smell? New Mattress Smell FAQs
• Is an Adjustable Memory Foam Mattress Right for You?

Looking to mattress experts for guidance seems to be a thing of the past on most sales floors, as big-box mattress retailers continue to sell mattresses on a sight-unseen, one-size-fits-all sales model. Although online “bed in a box” companies and national mattress chains may offer their customers convenience, the truth is that the mattress shopping experience that they provide is not designed to help you get the best sleep possible, it’s to sell you a product. This is the difference between a mattress salesperson and a mattress expert.

Texas Mattress Makers is here to explain how working alongside mattress experts can make all of the difference in your shopping experience. Hear from our founder, Youval Meicler, about how buying from a mattress expert will help you get the best mattress and a better night’s sleep.

Why is it so hard to choose a mattress?

Why can buying a mattress feel like such a hassle? Going into any mattress store can be overwhelming, and if you don’t receive the proper help, you may end up purchasing a mattress that is not right for you!

For example, if you ask a normal salesperson at any big mattress retailer, “Which mattress should I buy?” they might point you to their newest, most expensive model in hopes that they’ll make a profit. Or, they will give you a marketing explanation of the mattress because they are not actually involved in the mattress construction and production process. Even the latest and greatest in mattress technology is not always the best for you. It’s important to find a mattress retailer that is dedicated to helping you find the best mattress for your needs.

You need guidance from a mattress expert who has extensive mattress knowledge, can make informative bed recommendations, and cares about your mattress shopping experience, not just making a profit. 

1. Mattress experts have extensive mattress knowledge

Here is the truth: not every mattress salesperson is a mattress expert. In order to call someone an expert, they need to know everything there is to know about the products they are selling. 

Big mattress retailers may employ competent salespeople who call themselves experts, but do they have extensive knowledge about every product on their showroom floor? Do they know how their mattresses are manufactured, how the mattresses operate individually, and how they can benefit the customer? The answer is likely no. They may have enough mattress knowledge needed to get you to make a purchase, but they cannot educate you on why a certain mattress is the best for you, specifically. 

The team at Texas Mattress Makers is made up of mattress experts that are trained to know the ins and outs of every component, material, and process used to create our handmade mattresses. This unmatched expertise provides an informative and truthful mattress shopping experience for every customer so that you can leave with the best mattress for your needs.

2. Mattress experts can give informed bed recommendations

If you manage to sleep an average of eight hours a night, that is a third of your life. If you live to be 75, you will spend approximately 25 years on a mattress. When you think of it that way, choosing the right mattress seems like a critical decision! But, how do you do that? 

A mattress expert is the most capable person to trust when shopping for that perfect mattress fit. In fact, they won’t just give you bed recommendations, they’ll help you find a mattress that will help you achieve the best night’s sleep possible. While most big mattress retailers believe that mattresses are one-size-fits-all, it’s our philosophy that every sleeper has a unique set of sleep needs that can only be satisfied by the right mattress for that person.

The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers take into consideration your sleeping habits, your sleep preferences, and your physical attributes. Have you ever thought about which type of mattress is best for your body? We bet you haven’t! We have knowledge on topics that most retailers don’t even think of! When you buy a mattress, your needs matter. Our experts know exactly what questions to ask to find the best mattress for you…and only you.

3. Mattress experts provide an experience, not just a product

When you visit a Texas Mattress Makers showroom, you are greeted by one of our experts, not a salesperson. They take the time to get to know you by asking questions about what it is you’re looking for in a mattress. These questions could include learning more about your sleeping habits, your preferred comfort level, if you sleep with a partner, and if you have any medical conditions that may need to be taken into consideration. 

From there, our expert will have you try out a number of different mattresses in our showroom to see what you find to be the most comfortable and supportive. You can try as many mattresses as you like. Our showroom products are already “broken-in” so that you can get a better idea of what that mattress will actually feel like once you have slept on it for a few weeks. 

The best part? If you don’t find anything that suits your needs perfectly, you can work with our mattress experts to create a customized mattress tailored to your preferences so that you can achieve the best sleep quality possible for less money. We are here to make your mattress shopping experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. That is the Texas Mattress Makers difference. 

Texas Mattress Makers Employs Mattress Experts, Not Just Salespeople

When you shop with a mattress expert from Texas Mattress Makers, you are receiving a more informed and quality shopping experience. At the end of the day, our experts are here to help and educate you on how to get the best mattress for your needs. We’re not here to simply sell you a mattress — we are here to help you sleep better overall. You can put your trust in our mattress experts to go above and beyond for you.

You can shop our quality mattresses online by comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, or budget, or come and visit any of our convenient Houston-area locations today! If you’d like to speak with an expert while you shop online, call 713-766-4612.

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