Memory Foam

Memory Foam Mattress Topper

A day doesn’t go by without us getting a call, visit or email from someone looking for a Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Here is one example:

“I have a memory foam mattress and I hate it. I have chronic back problems. My back has hurt so much more since changing to memory foam. I get hot when I sleep, so the way the foam heats up is not comfortable for me. I prefer to have a mattress with a memory foam topper. I know people who love their memory foams but it’s just not for me. I’m now looking for a better Memory Foam Topper because the one I bought online did not last that long. Can you help me?”

Ron S. – Markham, ON

So this customer likes memory foam toppers but hates memory foam mattresses. Others call looking for one or two inch memory foam to put on top of a spring mattress that is lumpy because it has lost its comfort zone.

As a matter of fact, the most frequent complaint that we get, about spring mattresses, from people that come into our showroom is that “my 20-year mattress has sagged prematurely after just 3 or 4 years.”

Fake Comfort - Spring Mattress

You should know that most Innerspring mattresses, that you find in stores, are made with low-density foam toppers that mat down after a short period of time. We call it fake comfort. It looks great and comfortable on the showroom floor but the comfort zone mats down quickly.

Once it does you are then sleeping on the springs which create uncomfortable pressure points on your shoulders and your hips. This, in turn, causes you to toss and turn restlessly throughout the night. Pressure points can also be created by sleeping on a spring or foam mattress that is too firm for your size.

Not all Memory Foam is Created Equal

All foam is not created equal and neither is memory foam. There are many different densities and compressions of memory foam that will determine how long the foam will last before sagging or softening up with use.

In addition to the type of memory foam that is used as a mattress topper, it is also important to have a good middle transition layer and a bottom layer for long-lasting support and durability. I can’t stress this enough, the three layers, in the right thickness and compression, work together as a system to give you comfort, support, and durability.

This is why I often tell people that they are wasting their money if they think to buy a one-inch memory foam topper, to put on top of your old spring mattress, will do much of anything to replace the three-inch comfort layer that no longer exists.

Since memory foam is usually very soft, you will go through it and feel the lumps of cotton felt, polyester fibre and light-weight foam that has bunched up or matted down underneath the mattress cover.

As for Ron, who emailed us above, your experience with a complete memory foam mattress or just a topper will depend on a number of things like the type and thickness of the memory foam used, what supported the memory foam and the core of the mattress that he put his memory foam topper on.

Unless you really know what’s inside or what you’re buying, put down that mouse and first come to our foam and mattress factory to get educated. If you want to buy a good mattress and sleep better, get to know your foam first.

Reasons for Buying a Memory Foam Topper

If you are curious about memory foam mattresses, why not try a memory foam topper first and see what you think. Here are some benefits to consider:

1) Relieves Pressure Points

Memory foam benefits

When you lay down on memory foam, the material yields and adjusts to your shape, rather than forcing you to contour to it. Unlike springs and other materials, memory foam does not “push back” or place added upward pressure on your body.

2) Proper Back and Spine Alignment

The memory foam spreads your weight across the bed’s surface, contours to your body’s curves, and allows the foam layer under it to support your lower back and maintain your spine in its natural alignment.

When you are on a spring mattress, that has lost its comfort zone, your weight is typically concentrated on areas that contact the mattress like your: shoulders, hips and heels. For both back and side sleepers, this often means the lumbar area is not adequately supported. Lower back pain and muscle tension can occur without critical support.

3) Relieve and Prevent Pain

The unique combination of pressure point relief and support found in memory foam mattresses sets the stage for relieving current pain and preventing pain as well. According to reviews, the majority of memory foam mattress owners report reduced pain, especially in the back, hips, and shoulders.

The material is also a favorite of people with painful conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. By supporting correct alignment, contouring to the body and not placing added pressure on sensitive areas, sleepers’ bodies can experience optimal comfort. Reduced pain is also associated with better sleep, offering another benefit.

4) Different Weights Can Be Accommodated

Different weights on mattress

Whether you weigh 220 pounds or 130 pounds memory foam mattresses can be made to accommodate couples of different weights. That way you can both get the right firmness that you need or want, based on your weight, back condition, and preference, and still sleep on the same mattress. Have it your way on your side of the bed!

5) Stop Motion Transfer

Movement can create a lot of motion in traditional mattresses, which can mean disturbed sleep for couples. This can be a particular problem for couples with different schedules and for light sleepers.

Another key benefit of memory foam is that the material absorbs motion and isolates rather than transferring it. When one person gets out of bed or rolls over, their partner hasn’t bounced around or jolted out of sleep. Memory foam combined with Contour Foam Pockets not only give you even better contouring and air circulation, but the channels also stop any transfer of motion from one side of the bed to the other.

6) Very Popular

Memory foam mattresses are the fastest growing sleep system since they were introduced to the industry in 1991. As awareness of memory foam and its use in mattresses spread, consumers began to take notice of the distinct benefits the material offers.

Growing popularity and innovation spurred a variety of manufacturers to enter the field. Today memory foam mattresses account for 26% of industry sales. Their popularity is growing rapidly and they are highly rated in owner satisfaction; especially, by consumers who have done their homework and bought the right stuff – thickness, type, density, proper layering and the heaviest grades available.

Final Note

In summary, those are some of the sleep benefits that come from memory foam. They may, or may not line up with the attributes as seen by the merchandiser, or the consumer. However, the uncomfortable, overly firm bed is still very much in vogue.

Consumers don’t really know what to look for in sleep products. They buy what they are sold and too many sacrifice long term value or comfort by jumping on the lowest price. On the other hand, educated consumers know that better quality sleep lies with foam and mattress manufacturers and designers, and their deeper understanding of true sleep attributes, and the ways to meet them.

Start every day with a good night’s sleep…

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Hemp Mattress Covers for Better Sleep

Are you having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep? Here are two ways you can use Hemp for better sleep solutions.

It seems like people have finally woken up to the fact that sleep is important. Everyone is talking about it. A quick search on Amazon yielded more than 70,000 books with the word “sleep” in the title.

However, for all the attention sleep is receiving as a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle, are people getting the sleep they need? Not quite. But, as if those midday yawns weren’t enough to tell us, at least now we are more aware that we are desperately lacking quality sleep.

Along with the crush of people getting on the sleep bandwagon, of course, comes all kinds of products created to help consumers get the sleep they know they need. Technology plays a part in this, with body pressure mapping, gadgets to wear on the wrist or the forehead, fancy masks and more. But there are two low-tech sleep tools that have gained traction lately and are worth further investigation.

1. Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds and stalks of the hemp plant. It is natural and nutritious, with omega-3, omega-6, and linoleic fatty acids, in addition to cannabidiol. It has become popular as a remedy for anxiety and pain, two conditions that keep many of us up at night.

Hemp Oil & Hemp Seeds

Although it comes from the same plant species, hemp is entirely different from cannabis (aka marijuana) because hemp contains almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (better known as THC) so there are no psychoactive effects. The labels on many products read “0% THC” to prevent confusion. Hemp products have been available for decades. You can find hemp in beauty products, such as lotions and shampoos, clothing, mattress fabrics, and even shoes.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the effect of hemp oil on anxiety in a simulated public speaking model. They found that anxiety levels of participants with social anxiety disorder were much lower in those who used hemp oil than in those who were given a placebo. They also said hemp oil may help reset sleep patterns when anxiety is the cause of sleep problems.

Another study focused on the relationship between sleep and pain. People who suffer from insomnia often have chronic pain. Nearly 90% of people with chronic pain disorders complain of sleep difficulty, reporting that they can’t find enough relief from pain to get to sleep or remain asleep all night. Hemp oil has been found to create homeostasis, or a stable internal environment in the body, that promotes an analgesic effect, enabling the body to get the rest it needs.

When used for sleep, take hemp oil about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Hemp oil also can be used topically and even comes in cream or lotion forms. For those with painful skin conditions or those who suffer from inflammation or joint pain, a transdermal application often is a good solution. Be sure to consult with your physician before taking any natural or herbal remedies.

2. Mattress Covers

Mattress covers are important, but they are not as critical as what they cover. Covers only become critical when they are made with harmful substances that off-gas and impact people’s health in a negative way.

We are a foam and mattress manufacturer that carries over 45 different grades of foam, including some of the World’s best brands. However, we only make twelve different covers because we truly believe that – It’s What’s Inside That Counts!

Unless the cover gives you specific benefits that will help improve the quality of your sleep, like the covers in our wellness collection, we think you get better value for your money by investing it on the core of your mattress rather than what covers it – What’s Inside Matters.

Our Hemp EcoComfort mattress cover is made from organic cotton and hemp seeds. Only natural untreated materials are used to make this cover. The fabric is sewn to the highest standards of quality. This type of cover is for people who prefer the very best and that are conscious of the environmental problems that face our planet today.

Each of our Hemp EcoComfort covers saves approximately two pounds of synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals (depending on size). When you sleep on our Natural Mattresses, you will not only receive a high quality, well-designed product, you will also be sleeping on a healthier surface and supporting environmentally responsible farming and production methods.

Landfills are filled with old innerspring mattress units. You can help to reduce this impact by choosing to sleep on environmentally friendly products that are bio-degradable. Our Natural Latex Rubber is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is the perfect core to be used inside our Hemp EcoComfort cover. Unlike innerspring mattresses, no metal is used in this mattress so there will be no interference with natural or electromagnetic fields.

Final Note

While it’s great to think about what you’re sleeping under it’s always important to consider what you are sleeping on. A mattress still is the foundation of a good night’s sleep. Trends may come and go, but a good mattress always will serve you well, and never go out of style.

Start every day with a good night’s sleep…

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Good Night: Keep Anxiety and Stress in Check

Relaxation techniques for better sleep

Screenshot 2016-06-29 12.09.22

Relaxation is beneficial for everyone, but especially for those struggling with sleep. Practicing relaxation techniques is a great way to wind down, calm the mind, and prepare for sleep. Try deep breathing, massage to relax the muscles and visualize a relaxing place like lying on a beach.

Stressed up about something

If the stress of managing work, family, or school is keeping you awake, you may need help with stress management. When something is bothering you, make a brief note about it on paper and postpone worrying about it until the next day when you are fresh and it will be easier to deal with. Similarly, if a great idea comes to mind and it is keeping you awake, make a note of it on paper and fall back to sleep knowing that you will be much more productive and creative, the next day, if you get a good night’s sleep.

Managing sleep disorder

If you have trouble falling asleep night after night or if you always feel tired the next day, you may have a sleep disorder. It may be necessary to seek more advice from your doctor or a facility that deals with sleep disorders. Most sleep disorders can be treated effectively. When worrying becomes a mental habit that we repeat night after night, chronic insomnia is inevitable. You need to learn more about insomnia and its remedies or consult a sleep doctor. Sleeping pills can only produce temporary improvement and have long term side effects. Underlying mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression should be addressed first.

Ways to get back to sleep

The key to falling back to sleep is not to worry about not being able to fall asleep. You must remain relaxed and try to calm yourself. Try not to stress over the fact that you are awake and that you may not be able to fall asleep again. That very stress and anxiety will encourage your body to stay awake. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or visualization. Although it may not be a replacement for sleep, rest and relaxation – still helps to rejuvenate your body.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

If You Want to Change the World, Start Off By Making Your Bed

During a recent trip, I noticed in an Airport bookstore, a small book titled “MAKE YOUR BED: Little Things that Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World”.

This New York Times bestseller by Admiral William H. McRaven is truly a gem and very inspirational!

McRaven wrote this book after his commencement address to the graduating class at the University of Texas at Austin. His address focused on 10 lessons he learned from his Navy SEAL training.

Making your bed every morning, explains McRaven, is a way to start the day off right – with a task completed. Nothing can replace the strength and comfort of one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right.

Simply Stated – “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

This week, I’m back to work, spending time with some of my favorite people the folks who can literally “make your bed“.

Foamite has worked tirelessly for decades to help people understand the importance of buying the right foam in your mattress to help improve the quality of your sleep.

In a couple of weeks we will be going to Cologne, Germany to the bi-yearly Interzum Trade Show. There we will discover the latest and best comfort ingredients from all over the world and bring them to Canada.

So, when you make your bed tomorrow morning, give some thought to whether it might be time to replace your mattress. If it’s more than 10 years old, and if it’s not made with high resiliency foam (Koosh Natural), the mattress is probably no longer giving your body adequate comfort and support for a healthy, restorative night’s sleep. Even more importantly, a decade-old mattress may not contain natural and certified pure eco-friendly foam.

When it’s time to go mattress shopping, consider Foamite. We can “MAKE YOUR BED” with your input and guidance and offer you useful tips on how to find a mattress that’s just right for your weight, preference and back condition.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Make Sure You Sleep Like A Kid Every Night

Goodnight, Sleep Tight, Thanks Foamite!

Afternoon naps. Falling asleep in the back seat of the car. Having a favourite blankie to help you drift off. Kids know what they’re doing when it comes to sleep. In honour of Better Sleep Month, we’re encouraging you to reconnect with your inner child and sleep like a kid again.

Take Advice from the Experts

To sleep like a kid, you’ve got to think about sleep as a kid does. We went straight to the source and posed all of our pressing questions about sleep – do we need 8 hours of shut-eye every night? Should we sleep in a dark room? Should we check under the bed for monsters? The answers we got were quite entertaining.

“What’s a Good Night’s Sleep? About 380 Hours.

Kids might not have the best understanding of time management, or frankly how many hours are in the day. But it’s clear they know that getting enough sleep is important.

  • Stick to a routine. No matter how old you are, you can be mighty cranky when you don’t get enough sleep. Adults can benefit from consistent sleep schedules that allow for enough hours of sleep just like youngsters sleep better when they adhere to the sleep schedule their parents set.
  • Find the ideal bedtime. Kids don’t always recognize when they’re getting overtired and wired. But you can. Observe what time of day you normally begin to slow down and exhibit physical fatigue. Try to get to bed before then so you don’t get a second wind.

“The Trick to Making Monsters Go Away Is to Hide under the Covers”

While monsters might not exist (shh don’t tell the kids!), kids understand the benefits of a comfortable sleep environment.

  • Ban clutter. Kids can’t sleep when there are monsters under their beds. Adults can’t sleep when there is junk under their beds. Keep your bedroom somewhat sparse and your accessories to a minimum to create a calming environment.
  • Put tech on timeout. “Come on, Mom! Just a few more minutes!” You don’t let your kids get away with it, so eliminate the double standard. Reducing screen time in the hours before lights-out may help promote earlier sleep onset. Start by entirely banishing the TV and other electronic devices from the bedroom.
  • Delve into darkness. Some kids may be afraid of the dark, but a dark room is the best type of room to help you fall asleep. Choose room-darkening blinds, shades or drapes that allow you to plunge the room into peaceful darkness for sleep, but let the sunshine in the rest of the time.

Expert Sleep Tip: “Count to a Million”

Falling asleep and staying asleep at night can sometimes be a challenge. However, our “experts” know exactly what to do to get you sleeping soundly.

  • Try sleep aids. Kids might need a bedtime story to wind down. You might need yoga nidra, a weighted blanket, melatonin, and pink or white noise. Explore different types of sleep aids to find something that will help you get the extra zzz’s you need.
  • Time for tea. Chamomile tea might not be a fan favorite for youngsters, but it’s a great drink that can help you settle into slumber. The flavonoid apigenin creates a calming response in the brain so that we feel sleepy.
  • Music of the night. Tossing and turning all night? Hit “play” and let the sweet sounds of classical music become your night time lullaby.

“I Love My Bed. It Has Comfy In It.

Kids clearly see that a good, quality mattress plays an important role in getting your best zzz’s. They also know that if your mattress doesn’t provide you comfort, it’s not going to work out between you two.

What you should know is that consumers don’t really know what to buy when it comes to mattresses. However, educated consumers go directly to manufacturers, like FOAMITE, to provide them with better quality sleep options at a variety of price points.

  • Find your mattress match. In order to find the mattress of your dreams, it’s important to check out a new one. We don’t recommend buying a mattress without a thorough Sleep Analysis and knowing all your options first.
  • Re-evaluate your mattress. Just like kids, adults can outgrow their beds too. If you’ve had your mattress for at least seven years, it’s time to think about getting a new one.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Eco-friendly, Natural and Organic Crib Mattresses

Crib-SQ Last month we went to a barbeque and we ran into a young couple that is getting ready to have their first child. They knew they were having a girl and of course the ladies started talking about the nursery, the glider, the colours, the crib and eventually, something I was interested in, the crib mattress.

It was their first child and Mary commented that there was no way their child was going to sleep on anything with chemicals in it. She got this “How to raise your Baby Green”, book and I guess it kind of freaked her out when she read about all the chemicals that are around us in everyday life.

After reading the book, it became an obsession to try to buy everything that was as organic or as green as possible; especially, anything that will come in close contact with her child. Eventually, Mary settled on a mattress that was recommended by a friend. It had the word “organic” in its name and cost about $320. However, she is still not very clear on what her new-born daughter will be sleeping on.

It must be true, I saw it on the Internet

“The Internet is full of tips on how to cook organic food and where to buy organic cotton clothes”, said Mary,  “however, when it came to buying a crib mattress I was truly lost”.

In stores and on the Web, she found plenty of mattresses labeled “organic,” “natural” or “eco-friendly,” but little guidance about what exactly that meant, or what made any one of them better or different from the other or compared to a conventional spring mattress. She also discovered vast disparities in pricing, from as little as $69 to close to $600. This only added to the confusion.

Believe it or not a lot of people shop like that. They think just because they paid more for something that it must be better and more natural. In actual fact, we have lost sales in our factory direct showroom because we were not priced high enough. We actually over-heard a couple say, “Foamite’s mattress can’t be as good as the one we saw in the store. The store price was $1,000 more, therefore, it must be better”. Sorry, I digress.

Mom-Crib-SQConsumers, on the other hand, want to buy the most natural products for their children but when they hear the high prices that are thrown around by some baby boutique stores; they will change their minds and settle for something that is not as natural – but good enough.

What’s it all about? It’s about healthy living and buying the right products from a trusted and reputable source that can educate you about what really exists in the marketplace. If you are interested in things like organic food and natural baby products, you should know that your child is actually getting a greater exposure to toxic chemicals from their mattress than from anywhere else.

Toxic chemicals are everywhere

Most people don’t realize that most foam is made from petro-chemicals and that foam is on every mattress that you buy. Foam is the key comfort ingredient and without it, you might as well be sleeping on the floor.

I think that people need to start paying more attention to what they’re sleeping on. They need to stop going into stores and believing everything that salespeople tell them. They need to take personal responsibility for their family’s health because nobody is regulating what you or your baby are sleeping on and all foam is not created equal.

Consumers don’t really know what to look for in sleep products. They will buy what they are sold. Therefore, the onus for better and more natural sleep lies with the sleep products manufacturers, like Foamite, to educate people and to supply them with the best and most natural options available.

A consumer can only hope, when shopping for a crib mattress or any mattress, tthat they deal with salespeople who are open and very candid. However, most salespeople earn a living by selling things. Thanks, Mr. Obvious. What I mean to say is that if they don’t have a particular product they will pick one, amongst those that they do have, and call it the best.

As a manufacturer, we sell organic crib mattresses with 100% natural latex that are covered with a certified organic cotton ticking. But we also sell mattresses with polyurethane foam that are made with fire retardants, for a lot less. We don’t hide the fact that it’s a poly-foam, and that it off-gasses. We give you all the options that are available in stores, at a lower factory direct price, and then we let you decide what combination or level of natural is right for you.

We would rather sell organic crib mattresses to everyone. They are better for you and the environment. However, most people cannot afford organic; especially, if it is the real McCoy and they buy it from a retail store – with outrageous mark-ups. And of course as you become more green, it becomes more expensive.

Final Word

You don’t have to be rich for your new-born baby to sleep soundly on a truly natural mattress that is “certified-pure” and free of any harmful chemicals and substances.

For $269, you can buy a crib mattress, factory direct from Foamite, that is made with 100% Natural Latex, a firmer certified-pure Koosh Natural core and an organic bamboo cover. The cover is made with a zipper all around it – so you can look inside. The same mattress sells in a Baby Boutique downtown for $589. Our least expensive crib mattress is $89. You will pay double that price, for a similar grade of foam, if you bought it in a store.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Camp Mattresses and Replacement Covers

Summer is near…

…And camp organizers are heading to their camps to get ready for another season. At the end of the school year, young urbanites from all over the country will turn into campers.

No matter what overnight summer camp kids decide to go to, one thing that is common to all, is that by the end of the day they will be exhausted and they will need a nice mattress to rest their tired bodies on. That’s where we come in…

Who We Are and What We Do?

FOAMITE is a foam and mattress manufacturer. We predominately supply foam to the furniture and bedding industries. We also make a complete line of Commercial Mattresses, with matching foundations, in any size that you may require. Also, by using our Ergocheck Pressure Testing technology and 45 different grades of foam we can recommend what quality and firmness is best for your application.

OCA-logo1We have been in business for 30 years and we have always supplied mattresses to camps directly or through distributors. We are a commercial member of the OCA (Ontario Camps Association) and we also sell camp mattresses and replacement covers to all kinds of overnight camps across Canada.

5 Easy Steps to Choosing the Right Camp Mattresses

1) Choose Your Size
There are so many standard sizes that we make for camps. The problem is that everybody calls their size a standard camp mat size when it may not be. If it’s not, no worries, we can make it in any size or thickness that you require.

Each one of these common sizes is available in 4, 5 or 6” thicknesses:
30×72, 32×72, 36×72, 38×74, 39×75, 54×74 or 60×80.

2) Get to Know Your Foam First and Choose Wisely
Not all foam is created equal we carry 45 different grades. Foam is rated by its density (weight of the foam) and its compression (how soft or hard it is). Heavier foam, with higher densities, will last longer. The compression has no bearing on the durability or the price.

We can make you a camp mattress in any of the following densities:
1.0 lb, 1.1 lb, 1.2 lb, 1.3 lb, 1.4 lb, 1.5 lb, 1.7lb, 1.8 lb, 1.9 lb, 2.0 lbs/cubic foot. In each density range, you can choose a number of different compressions all at the same price.

3) Choose Your Cover
The covers are made with heavy duty 32oz automotive grade fire retardant vinyl. They are very durable and a taupe/beige in colour. The covers can be all vinyl or a combination of commercial grade cotton, on the top, and vinyl on the bottom. Our covers are made with zippers so that you can open them up to see what’s inside and so that you can replace them if the need arises.

Replacement covers with long 3-sided zippers are half the cost of buying a whole new mattress. We also make replacement covers in any size you require.

4) Choose Your Price Point
We can make a 4 x 30 x 72 size mattress in a number of different price points. It all depends on what you put inside them and what you cover it with. Give us a call and let us talk to you about your options. Some people may not want to know all the details and just want the lowest price but I think the more you know the better it is for both of us. On the other hand, there are others who exaggerate the density of the foam or who may not know what they are selling, so they just make it up. We have experienced this with a number of distributors over the years.

5) Avoid Imposters
Some may tell you that the harder the foam is the better the quality. That is not true. The density of the foam determines the quality and not the compression. Others will fill the core with polyester fibre, lighter than the cheapest foam, or scrap foam that is shredded down and glued together. We can do that too if that is what you want.

The worst is when the cover is completely closed around the foam and the only way to check inside is by ripping off the cover. I wonder what they are hiding. What’s inside matters!

Final Word

The right price is important if you get the performance and durability to go with it. That is what most people call good value. You can get that by buying directly from a foam and mattress manufacturer and by buying the right grade at the right price.

We make better mattresses because we use the best and most natural grades of foam. If you need camp mattresses, this year, we can provide you with the solutions that you need to succeed.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Are you a Napper? It's Good for the Brain!

World Sleep Day is not until March 15th, but given that lousy overcast, dark and dreary weather, why not get a jump on it?

Insufficient sleep can have many adverse effects, from weakened immunity and unwanted weight gain to trouble focusing, memory loss and a lack of motivation. Sleep deprivation can also affect our moods, making us more likely to be cranky, anxious or depressed.

Despite what we know about the importance of rest, relaxation and sleep, many of us still don’t get enough. According to Statistics Canada, a lack of sleep and poor sleep quality are common for Canadian adults. The agency says around one-third of adults sleep fewer hours each night than recommended for optimal physical and mental health.

In our busy schedules, is there a way to catch up on much-needed sleep? You’ve likely heard it many times, but how about a good old-fashioned nap? As an action-oriented society, many of us feel queasy about taking naps. Well, move over power breakfast because the power nap is the new hot trend in town. And, should your boss or colleagues give you the side-eye, remind them that science is on your side. Also, you can always forward this blog to them.

Brain Power

A Brazilian research study asked a group of participants to work on a complicated video-game problem for 10 minutes, after which they took a 90-minute nap before attempting the problem again.

The second group of participants also worked on the problem but didn’t nap between sessions. Those in the napping group were twice as likely to solve the problem as those in the non-napping group.

Scientists found that napping improved cognitive performance by allowing people to consolidate their memories and integrate new experiences. Upon waking, they had a more holistic view of the problem. This suggests that napping could help us solve everyday issues – with the bonus effect of feeling refreshed.

Will Power

Research conducted at the University of Michigan showed that a 30-minute, midday nap improved executive brain functioning by strengthening the participants’ emotional control. Nappers reported feeling less frustrated and less impulsive than their non-napping counterparts.

Hold My Espresso

What’s more effective for memory building: a shot of caffeine or a cozy nap? Sorry, baristas of the world. According to a study conducted at the University of California comparing the effects of a 200-mg dose of caffeine and a 30-minute nap on verbal memory, motor skills, and perceptual learning, nappers outperformed in the verbal and motor categories, while both groups had equivalent results in perceptual learning. One interesting finding was that the caffeinated group significantly underperformed in motor skills compared with the nappers.

Naps For Sale

Why sneak off for some quick shut-eye in your messy car or the local library when there are now so many pampered ways to catch your zzzzs? A company in Manhattan rents nap pods. A 45-minute sessions costs around $25 US. While the project is only currently available in New York City, it is so popular that there is a planned North American roll out.

Can’t make it to Manhattan? Maybe you can talk your company into finding some space which you can turn into a relaxation room. A plaque in our Relaxation Room says: “Hard working people resting their minds”.

According to a Forbes Magazine article, some of the world’s biggest companies, like Proctor & Gamble, Google, NASA, and Samsung, plus several universities, offer employees the chance to power nap in these zero-gravity chairs designed to mimic sleeping positions. You can buy an Energy Pod for around $13,000 US, but a nice lounging chair with a comfortable foam mattress also does the job.

Relax, but remember you’re not in Europe, where you have a big lunch and then sleep for 3 hours. Studies show that even brief naps, between 15 and 30 minutes, can reduce sleepiness and improve cognitive function for anywhere from one to three hours. Also, regular nappers benefit more than occasional ones. All you have to do is to develop an afternoon nap routine and commit to napping for a healthy brain. Just do it, it’s a no brainer!

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Sit Better With Replacement Foam Sofa Cushions

What’s Inside Matters

A lot of upholstered furniture is not made with the best grades of foam available. There are many different grades at various price points and not all foam is created equal. What’s inside the cover matters and plays a very integral part of your long-term comfort and to the overall look of the furniture.

You can get really firm foam that is light-weight and that sags prematurely or you can buy heavier (high-density) and softer foam that will last much longer.

How to Buy a Really Comfortable Sofa

If you are looking to buy a new sofa here is what you should know about the foam so that you can make your shopping experience as successful as possible. If you do not take the time to learn about the various comfort materials you may end up being frustrated and looking for replacement cushions a lot sooner than you thought you would.

In my experience as a foam supplier to thousands of upholstery shops and furniture manufacturers, over the past 25 years, I have learned that most upholsterers and furniture manufacturers do not really care to talk too much about the foam with their customers. We carry 45 different grades. It’s not all the same and all foam is not created equal.

One major retailer that we deal with, everybody knows their name, buys sheets of replacement foam to service the customers that complain about their seat cushions softening or sagging after just 3 months of use. They seem to think that even if they replace 3 out of 10 customer’s cushions, it is still worth it because they make more money on the majority that doesn’t complain than what it costs them to satisfy the few that do.

Who can you trust? Noooobody!

You should also know that if you shop on price alone and expect the best quality that sometimes you may be surprised without even knowing it. I recently visited this upholstery shop that had this custom made sofa on his shop floor. It was filled with all kinds of scrap foam (new and old) both in the back and hidden under the deck and springs of the sofa. Who can you trust? Noooobody!

The right furniture, filled with high-resiliency foam, will keep fabric looking new and feel more comfortable. If you are ordering a custom sofa, be sure to discuss cushion choices and construction; you should have many options to choose from if you don’t have options or you don’t like what you have bought then you should come in and see us.

Be the best that you can be by improving the quality of your comfort time!

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

How to Buy the Right Pillow to Help Maintain Support

A good pillow is essential for good sleep. It should keep the neck and spine in its natural alignment. A “bad pillow” may not cause any health problems, but it could worsen problems that already exist, like: headaches, neck pain, shoulder or arm numbness, and even sneezing and wheezing. If you suffer from any of the above, or if your pillow is more than two years old, it’s probably time to buy a new one.

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Buying The Perfect Pillow

Here is what you should know before you buy your next pillow:

1) Filler Material
If you suffer from allergies, always check the packaging for contents. Most pillows are made with polyester fiber or polyurethane foams some are hypoallergenic. Most foam pillows are made with petro-chemicals that may off-gas. The off-gassing is the cause of numerous health problems. Foamite pillows are made in Canada. They are non-allergenic and made with a variety of natural foam grades such as the Original All Natural Latex Rubber and our soy-based Koosh Natural which is certified pure.

2) Size
Pillows come in all kinds of sizes. Even those that are labelled as Queen can vary in size. While most people use the size of their bed to determine what size pillow to buy, it’s also important to consider your head and shoulder size. What length, width, and thickness is most appropriate for your shape? Your neck naturally curves forward in order to support the weight of your head, and it’s best to maintain that same curve while your body is in its resting position. Pillows that are too high when you’re sleeping sideways or on your back can cause your neck to bend abnormally. This will result in muscle strain in your neck and shoulders. Since we are the factory we can adjust the size of the pillow height to fit you properly. Don’t just buy what’s on the shelf, buy what we can make for you.

3) Preferred
If you sleep on your back, you need a pillow that isn’t too firm or too high. Remember – when sleeping, your neck should be supported, while your head stays level with your upper back and spine. Are you a side sleeper? Then you need a pillow that melds to the shape of your neck and keeps your head high enough to keep your spine aligned. For stomach-sleepers, slim pillows can be used for under the head, and a flat pillow under the hips may also help.

in_pillowThe average head weighs 9.5 to 11 lbs., you need a material that will support it throughout the night while you are asleep without losing its shape or collapsing. Foamite pillows are ideally suited for this purpose, being soft, supportive and gently resilient. They do not lose their shape during the night whereas the average fibre pillow, after a short period of time, is not properly supportive and tends to collapse and easily flatten.

Foamite offers a range of luxury memory foam and foam rubber pillows to suit a variety of individual comfort needs. Whatever your personal preference, don’t be shy to try out all our pillows in our showroom.

When you buy a new mattress make sure you look at replacing your pillow too. They work together as a system to maintain proper spine alignment from your neck down.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

How to Eliminate Dark Circles Under Your Eyes (Zombieitis)!

Look like a Zombie when you wake up?

If you want to stop waking up tired you should be sleeping on a mattress that is right for you. Most people think they are but that is not what the survey says. A proper mattress should be right for your size, back condition and preference. However, trying to figure all that out without talking to the right people is as difficult as trying to make out one Zombie from another as you stare into the fog.

zombie-buttonAccording to a recent sleep survey conducted by the Better Sleep Association – 68% of people sleep on a mattress that is the wrong firmness. The percentage gets even higher after you add in all the people that are sleeping on a fairly new mattress that is no longer comfortable.

“My 20-year pillow top mattress is no longer comfortable (after 3 or 4 years of use)”, is one of the most common complaints that we hear in our showroom.

Possible Causes of Dark Circles

If it’s not the mattress and if you are sleeping on the right firmness, based on scientific Ergocheck pressure testing, then the dark circles under your eyes could be caused by one of the following:

1. Hereditary Predisposition
Some people have a hereditary predisposition to dark circles, and without realizing it you may be predisposed to leaking weak capillaries around the eyes, which cause the appearance of dark circles.

2. Stress
According to the “Joy of Stress”, not enough stress is bad for you but too much stress will make you looking and feeling tired all the time. Lower your stress levels through relaxation to ease the appearance of dark circles.

3. Excess Sugar
“We are what we eat”, it is as simple as that. Research has shown that cutting down on processed sugar-laden foods makes eyes, hair, and skin more healthy and radiant looking.

4. Excess Alcohol
Like excess sugar, too many nights drinking and you are likely to see an increase in dark circles. This is due to the nutrients being drained from your body by the toxicity of the alcohol.

5. Dehydration
Dehydration affects the appearance of skin and its elasticity. With 75% of the population unknowingly dehydrated, it is no wonder the skin around our eyes looks so tired. Start drinking more water and the skin around your eyes will re-hydrate and appear healthier.

In conclusion, if you are predisposed to dark circles and are having trouble sleeping, I recommend a course of good sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep and set your body clock to sleep faster, deeper and longer during the correct hours. Sleep hygiene can be defined as habits and practices that are conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis. Sleep hygiene is the key to sweet dreams!

Start every day with a good night’s sleep…

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas

Be the best that you can be by doing whatever is necessary to improve the quality of your sleep!

Conquer Sleep Issues & Feel More Energized

How to Conquer Sleep Issues & Feel More Energized

It may help to know that you’re not alone in your quest for better sleep. Research studies demonstrate that approximately 25% of people suffer from some form of sleep disorder.

In order to live better, you need to sleep better. If your sleeping habits include some of the following, you’ll be well on your way to establishing an effective sleep.

1. Get Into Routine
Set a bedtime and stick to it. Remember you need at least 7 hours of sleep a night.

2. Turn Off Your Screens
The glow from screens is known to delay the release of melatonin, making it harder for you to get to sleep.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine, a stimulant, keeps your body alert and energized; therefore, increases the number of times you wake during the night.

4. Sleep with the Right Mattress and Pillow
Sleeping with the wrong mattress and/or pillow could be keeping you awake at night or reducing your quality of sleep. Make sure you are sleeping on the right quality and firmness. Our Ergo check Testing and the information that you supply will take the guess work out of what mattress firmness is right for you on your side of the bed. Don’t buy your next mattress without a proper Sleep Analysis conducted by a qualified Sleep Expert and a Medical Practitioner if you are under current care. (https://foamite.com/ergo-number-sleep-analysis)

5. Take a Warm Bath
A drop in body temperature helps to trigger the need for sleep so a warm bath (or a soak in the hot-tub) may help you fall asleep faster. You can enhance this effect by using aromatherapy products (bath oils, scented candles and so on) with calming properties.

6. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Today’s fast-paced world tends to make us tense and irritable, which can really interfere with your ability to sleep well. Spending some time on relaxing activities (breathing exercises, yoga, massage, meditation, or gentle stretches) before bed can lower anxiety levels and calm your body and mind.

7. Exercise Daily
Vigorous exercise is best, but even light exercise is better than no activity. Exercise at any time of day, but not at the expense of your sleep.

You can sleep better! You just need the right bedtime routine in order to achieve it.

Sincerely,
FOAMITE INDUSTRIES INC.

R.C. (Bob) Dimas