Mattress topper - foam variety

I have mentioned mattress toppers on a number of occasions, but previously without first hand experience of sleeping on one. I can now correct that and give some direct feedback.

About 3 months ago we bought a foam mattress (firmness rating 9) to cover a stop gap between getting rid of an old mattress and buying a new bed.

Needles to say this “concrete like” mattress was firm beyond belief and we both found it impossible to sleep on. With a new bed on the way it was pointless replacing this mattress, so we opted to buy a foam topper to cover the new bed delivery period and soften up our sleeping surface during the interim.

We paid about £25 for the topper (very cheap) and it took the form of a series of quilted sections with a soft foam like filling. The topper was (is) about 1 inch in thickness when not compressed.

Our overall view was that the topper did soften the sleeping surface, however with the mattress in question it was still close to intolerable and we were elated when the new bed arrived.

You can get some additional detail about toppers on this - http://www.foammattresstopper.org informative site about bedding.

So what is the verdict?

I would make a strong assumption that, with a rock like mattress (such as the one we suffered with), a good quality mattress topper of a fair thickness (i.e. at least 1.5 inches) would enhance the sleeping characteristics. Indeed, I would guess that a memory foam topper would probably convert such a mattress into a very good sleeping surface. Our “minimal spend” was not however enough to do this, although it should be added that anyone who likes a firm mattress/topper may well love it.

Electrically operated chairs

We have been checking out some cars recently as we intend to buy a sports car for weekend use asap.

The model that we are interested comes with almost everything as standard and this, amongst other features, includes electric seats.

I bring this up because it is amazing how many cars now include power seat options. The vehicle that we are considering has 8 way electric adjustment of both seats and the seats are even heated.

Why then are such adjustments not included in home furniture.

Some living room suites have recline actions and extendable leg rests, but normally only to fixed positions and with no power assistance.

Dining chairs and have no movable parts and only ergonomic office chairs and chairs for the elderly that “rise and recline” have any motorisation. See http://www.orthopedicchair.net/ for examples of these.

It seems that in the home furnishing market an appreciation of orthopedic chairs and chairs with some level of angle, height and tilt adjustment is rare, if not unheard of!

This also becomes confusing as the cost of motors and remote control operation is now so low and affordable. Indeed, when you combine this with the increased awareness of spinal problems, care for the back, and generally looking after our posture, it would seem that there is a potential market out there.

I would guess that many people would happily pay for an electrically adjustable arm chair and that many would feel the same way about a “high use” office chair. So why are these products not widely available, particularly in the USA where “motorised everything” seems the norm.