Tag: mattress

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Interiors Addict

I was Koala sceptic but I loved their mattress!

There is so much buzz out there about mattress-in-a-box brand Koala that I couldn’t resist trying one for myself when a very well-timed offer came my way. We are just turning my home office into a guest bedroom because I’ve found I just don’t work in there anymore. With a baby at home and doing a lot of juggling, it just makes sense for me and my laptop to hang out in the middle of the house. And the natural light’s way better there anyway!

So, my desk was swapped for a new queen bed and I was considering my mattress options when Koala asked me if I’d like to try one. You bet I would! And if you would too, I have a $150 off code for you. More on that later…

Sebastian loved the new mattress too!

I was sceptical though. How can one kind of mattress suit everyone? For the purposes of this review, both my husband Damian and I have spent two nights sleeping on the mattress. And we both loved it. Loved it! This review isn’t paid (although the product was gifted) so I’m free to say whatever I like. If I don’t like something I’d usually rather say nothing rather than be negative. But I genuinely think this is a very comfortable mattress.

Koala’s not just about mattresses now. They’ve expanded into  bed bases, pillows, sheet sets and even sofas (you can get $150 off one of those with my code too). We tried the eucalyptus fibre sheets (they feel really silky and lovely!) and the memory foam pillows (also one size fits all) too. I love love love my pillow and find it super comfortable. My neck feels very supported. Damian ditched his after two goes because it just wasn’t working for him. That said, he has back and shoulder issues and is very fussy about pillows. He almost always has a headache if he forgets to take his own pillow to a hotel, for example. The reason these pillows do work for a lot of people (if not my husband!) is that they have a high side and a low side, so you can flip them depending on your preference; for me that’s the low side, especially as I always sleep with my arm under my pillow. From an aesthetic point of view, I have to mention that this pillow, despite being memory foam, looks like a regular pillow and isn’t that clunky, rectangular shape of many contour pillows. And yes that is important when you want your bed to look fabulous!

Now, I could talk about their amazing branding and all the cool little surprises when you open the boxes but that would, well, ruin the surprise! I also love how they make a donation to the WWF and other koala charities for every mattress bought. And in many areas, they will (in partnership with mattress recycling charity Soft Landing) collect and take away your old mattress for free (and they are hard things to get rid of, let me tell you!).

I think the Koala mattress (from $750) and pillow ($150) are fantastic, and I’m sure our relatives visiting from the UK soon will agree! The sheets are nice but I personally like nice cotton or linen sheets just as much and these give me many more choices of colour, so I wouldn’t spend the money on them.

If you’d like to try the Koala mattress or sofa (both can be delivered within four hours in metro areas!), use my code INTERIORSADDICTKOALA for $150 off either.

You get 120 days to try them out and, if you don’t like them, you can return them. Or, rather, they’ll come and pick them up. Can’t say fairer than that.

I have to admit, this innovative brand have seriously impressed me with their product and customer experience.

Shop online.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips

Review: My first two weeks on our new SleepX mattress

Sponsored by SleepX

Mattresses in a box: they’re popping up everywhere at the moment, am I right? There’s certainly a new way to buy a mattress which is quicker, more affordable, and –let’s be honest– we love that novelty factor of something so bulky coming to the door rolled up in a box!

When new kids on the block SleepX approached me to work with them as a spokesperson, I wasn’t going to put my name to a brand until I knew why they were different, that their quality was high, their manufacturing processes sound, and, of course, that their mattresses were comfortable. Happily, I was in the market for a new one so it was a good time for Damian and I to test drive (sleep?) the SleepX difference for ourselves!

Here’s what always got me about the many other one-size-fits-all mattress-in-a-box brands: there is no way that one mattress fits everyone. Comfort is such a personal thing, we all sleep differently, we all have a different view of what is too hard or too soft. We are different body shapes, heavier and lighter, back sleepers (my husband) and side sleepers (that’s me). Yes, you can return your one-size-fits-all mattress if it doesn’t work for you, but there’s no alternative to swap it for.

So the fact that SleepX offer three different mattress designs was the first thing that impressed me. You can even go and try them out at their showroom in Sydney’s Chippendale. What’s more, if you and your other half like completely different mattresses, they’ll make you a half-n-half Duo mattress for just $200 more. How good is that?! SleepX may be new to the market but the company behind the brand has decades of experience in the bedding industry, so it’s no wonder they know what they’re doing and their offering is more sophisticated than most.

I was convinced that Damian and I would end up with a Duo and I was excited that this was an option for us. Our existing mattress was a very expensive latex and memory foam number that he loved and I, well, really didn’t. I was having a selfless wife moment when we bought it. He has a chronic shoulder injury from his days as a tennis coach so I thought it was more important that we chose something he found really comfortable. But when we went to try out the SleepX options we both really liked the Balance Medium option (there’s also the Serenity Soft and the Restore Firm). Who would have thought it? And two weeks later (because you can’t review a mattress overnight, pardon the pun) we are both loving it. An added bonus is that when Sebastian sneaks into our bed in the night, which happens pretty often, we don’t even notice. This will be down to SleepX technology which provides excellent support and weight distribution – so there’s no chance of being disturbed if your partner tosses and turns (or your child jumps in). You’ll also stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

There’s not just three different firmness options but an impressive six sizes: single, long single, king single, double, queen and king. They’re made from the highest quality materials — a combination of memory foam and high-resilience foam – so they’re comfortable yet supportive. And the 10-year warranty definitely adds peace of mind! And they’re great value too, starting at $650.

And did I mention they’ll deliver within four hours to metro areas if you order before 2pm (and within 48 hours for a Duo mattress which really impressed me)?

So, what about how they’re made as well as how they feel to sleep on? As I mentioned before, I can’t put my name to something without knowing they’re a legitimate operation making high quality goods. The entire range of products are non-allergenic, anti-bacterial and environmentally- friendly. They’re 100% recyclable and certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), awarded to products that use clean, high-quality and environmentally-friendly materials. Another bonus is that all SleepX products use CompriShield during the manufacturing process – a natural, sustainable, bio-based microbial control solution providing great protection against mould (which seems to be a big Sydney problem!), mildew, dust mites and odour that lasts the lifetime of the foam. This last point especially appeals to me as a parent. And they’re made right here in Australia.

The offering doesn’t end at mattresses, there are pillows too, in three different sizes (and Damian and I did need different ones here, no doubt because his shoulders are about twice as wide as mine!). They also sell mattress toppers from $199 if you want to add some extra comfort to your existing mattress. All in all, our new mattress and pillows have been giving us the best nights’ sleep in ages this month! As a busy mum and business owner, to say I value my sleep would be a huge understatement!

SleepX do encourage customers however to max out their 120-day free trial period because it takes at least two weeks to acclimatise to a new mattress.

For more information and to shop online.

Photography by Jacqui Turk.

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Bedrooms Expert Tips

5 rules for luxurious bedroom styling

Sealy share their top tips for an extra special bedroom.

Colour is a unifying force. Use it to harmonise the many elements of your bedroom.

Crisp whites are classic, clean and energising, but can often look overly sterile if not paired with coloured accents or varied in texture. Solid, subtle creams, beiges, taupes and muted shades of blue are softer alternatives that are less likely to age than trendy geometrics and graphic patterns. Choose and maintain a consistent colour palette, paying attention to smaller details such as matching hardware and wood tones.

Deep, dusty blue hues are perfectly paired with dark, romantic plum hues in this chic bedroom interior by Sealy.

Use your budget wisely. Some aspects of your interiors are worth investing in, while other elements are okay to skimp on.

Upcycling can be fun and is a wonderful way to reduce wastage when revamping an outdated room. Refreshing an aging dresser with simple silver hardware or a new finish, for example, is a relatively inexpensive way to breathe new life into your daggy decor. Other aspects of your bedroom interiors however, such as a supportive mattress that allows you to sleep restfully, are worth investing in. There should be no skimping when it comes to your health — you spend one third of your life in bed, after all — but there are plenty of creative ways to acquire minimal, classic pieces of furniture and decor on a budget.

Serene blues are instantly calming; a fantastic styling option for this quality, handcrafted Sealy mattress.

Your bedroom is your sleep sanctuary, so keep your comfort at the forefront of your mind.

Generously layering plush pillows over your bed will create the feel and appearance of abundant luxury. The rest of your bedding, however, should be easy and practical. A temperature ranging between 16 and 20°C is ideal for a restful night’s sleep, so opt for fresh, light bedding in the summertime. In the cooler months, soft, textured throws and cozy knits in versatile neutrals are a great investment for adding warmth. Be sure to layer these over a firm, high quality mattress: a mattress that sinks or sags in the centre is generally will not provide the support your body needs for a comfortable night’s rest, and won’t allow your bedding to sit nicely.

Crisp white bedding layered with a cosy, neutral knit hits the mark in this bedroom styling by Sealy.

Declutter your space to the best of your ability.

Space is luxurious and liberating, while clutter only serves to collect dust. Unfortunately, many of us are in the habit of cluttering our nightstands with our personal belongings, and hanging on to every beautiful piece of decor we come across. Less is more, so resist the urge to hang on to anything that a) isn’t useful, or b) doesn’t vibe with the rest of your interiors.

If minimalism is something that you struggle with, take it slow: aim to donate, gift or recycle one belonging of yours per week, and utilise space savers, hidden storage or a storage locker for the rest of your non-essentials.

The Sealy Posturepedic SpaceSaver™ drawer base comes with hidden storage to keep clutter at bay.

Add a touch of personality to your interiors. Your space can be lively, soulful and exciting while still being effortless and tasteful.

Clean and classic doesn’t have to be mundane, in the same way that playfulness doesn’t have to be messy.  Fresh greenery and a captivating artwork are two great ways to bring life to your space in a way that’s tasteful, and work especially well bringing balance to a mature master bedroom. See your local greenhouse for a low-maintenance indoor plant that will add effortless pep to your interiors, or pick out a beautiful, calming piece by your favourite local artist.

Fresh, low-maintenance greenery is effortlessly energising against deep greys and neutral beige in this classic, carefree bedroom styling by Sealy.
For more on Sealy.
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Bedrooms Expert Tips

Create your own dream world with Sleepmaker

Image: Hale Mercantile Co. Click for details.

Sponsored by Sleepmaker

How good is sleep?! I seem to have a complicated relationship with it at the moment. Being 26 weeks pregnant, I’m feeling the urge to nap way more often but when it comes to bedtime, I’m not always succeeding at getting comfy!

Image: Country Road. Click for details.
Image: Country Road. Click for details.

I’m definitely glad we got a new memory foam mattress recently though. You’ve got to start from the best possible place, even when getting those zeds doesn’t come as easily as it usually does!

The importance of a good mattress and/or bed is often neglected when we concentrate on the aesthetics of our bedrooms. Sometimes getting the perfect bedsides, right height table lamps, the latest linen and the killer combo of decorative cushions (yes, I bet your other halves hate them too, ladies!) seems much more significant! But the right bed, one where you spend so much of your life, can make a massive difference to your health and mood.

Image: Hale Mercantile Co. Click for details.
Image: Hale Mercantile Co. Click for details.

But if the thought of traipsing around bed showrooms is what has made you keep putting the task in the too-hard basket, Sleepmaker’s online comfort selector tool can help.

By answering a few quick questions, it can make some recommendations which will narrow down the search for you and save you time. Of course you still need to go and lie on the thing and make sure it’s for you, but it can make the task a little less overwhelming. There really are so many options with beds these days, as technology has come on so much. I personally love the idea of starting with a recommendation or shortlist!

Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.42.12 AM

You’ll answer questions for you (and your partner if applicable); everything from your weight, age, size preference, budget, any aches and pains you usually wake with and how you sleep, then enter your postcode to choose from your nearest stores, before being given a bed suggestion. You don’t even have to hand over your email address for the privilege, but you can easily email the details to yourself. They even suggest your perfect pillows!

Screen Shot 2015-01-12 at 10.42.32 AM

There are so many reasons a good bed is important. As Sleepmaker say: “Often people see purchasing a mattress as just something that meets a functional need and they miss the opportunity for it to become a place of pure comfort.”

They suggest three steps to experience your own dream world:

  • Take one perfect SleepMaker bed
  • Lay your head on a dreamy SleepMaker pillow
  • And top it all off with quality protectors and a cosy quilt.

So, check out the Sleepmaker online comfort selector tool today and get started on choosing your new bed and creating your own dream world!

Need more bedroom inspiration? We have a whole section on that! And kids’ rooms too! Later this month, we’ll show you how to bring together the other elements of your perfect bedroom, brought to you by Sleepmaker.

Categories
Bedrooms

Interiors Addict’s guide to choosing a new mattress

Disclosure: My new bed was gifted by Forty Winks. Positive coverage was not guaranteed.

A decent bed is something you probably only shell out for a few times in a lifetime and by decent, I mean a step up from the cheapo one you get for your first share house. Like many things in life, you’re often reluctant to splash the cash on something which isn’t all that exciting (reminds me of my recent washing machine purchase!). It’s not like a new lounge which you can choose depending on your personal style and what’s trendy and show off to your mates when they come over. When you buy a new mattress (and they’re often more costly than the bed they sit on) you don’t invite people round to check it out. That would be weird! But, considering you spend a good third of your life in bed, as well as the psychological and health benefits associated with getting a decent kip, buying yourself a good night’s sleep should be more of a considered purchase than you might think.

Retro

These days, however, there are so many options it can be a bit baffling. And with people’s reluctance to accept the help of a salesperson in the local bed shop due to a fear of being given the hard sell, I can see why most people might give up and put it in the too hard basket. So, after my recent mattress and bed choosing experience at Forty Winks in Auburn, I thought I’d share with you some of what I’ve learned about mattresses!

The latest mattress technology

POCKETED SPRING TECHNOLOGY

Pocket springs are springs that are separately contained to work independently. Each coil sits within an encased fabric pocket, all joined to create an inner spring which stops movement from transferring across the bed providing minimum partner disturbance. These pockets can be zoned to specific areas, providing optimal orthopaedic support moulding to the contour of your body. Recent spring developments include titanium enriched springs, variable response pocketed coils with secondary reflex support coils.

REFLEX ZONED SUPPORT SYSTEM

Designed in conjunction with and supported by the International Chiropractors Association, King Koil’s new Reflex Zoned Support System (exclusive to Forty Winks) is a revolution in mattress comfort and support providing advanced spring technology. Individually encased Primary Coils gently contour to your body shape to minimise pressure and maximise support, while Active Coils positioned in specific zones intuitively respond to body weight and shape to provide support where it’s needed most. Reflex Support Systems provide even body weight distribution and are particularly suitable for sleeping partners with significantly varying sizes, weights and shapes.

GEL INFUSED PRODUCTS

FlexGel and similar gel products have been on the market for some time but this is now evolving. FlexGel is a revolutionary cellular material that provides medically proven muscle and joint pressure release allowing better circulation, superior airflow and breathability to regulate a comfortable sleeping temperature and hyper-allergenic benefits to help people with allergies get a better night’s rest. Gel Infused Memory Foam is a popular choice for consumers – both cool and supportive the infused gel helps to cool the sleeper and transfer heat away from the surface while holding the contour of your body.

MEMORY FOAM

A synthetic alternative to Latex, Memory Foam is a growing segment in the Australian market. Best suited to people with pressure related discomfort, benefits of this comfort layer include contouring support, pressure relief and minimised movement. Forty Winks offers an impressive range of mattresses and ensembles from Australia’s leading suppliers. From King Koil and Sleepmaker to Sealy Posturepedic and Tempur, there are options to suit all comfort and sleep needs.

Hamilton_6_ammended-darkened2

The reality of choosing a bed

Please don’t be baffled by the information above. You really do need to go and try them out for yourself. Campbell Singer, the manager at Forty Winks Auburn, took us through a variety of beds in our price range, all the while stopping it getting too confusing by limiting how many ‘favourites’ we kept as we went along. The process of elimination is important. We talked about my husband’s shoulder problems and what position we sleep in. We were really encouraged to have a good lie down on the beds. Campbell said many people simply sit on beds and decide they don’t feel right, when the truth is they will feel a whole lot different when you lie your whole body on them. If you sleep on your side, don’t try out beds on your back. It sounds obvious, but it can seem a little confronting to sprawl across a bed in a showroom in the recovery position, which is how I sleep and what I had to do. You soon get over yourself though!

The one

When we finally settled on what we thought was ‘the one,’ Campbell encouraged us to find the right kind of pillow, settle down and spend a good 10 minutes seeing how it felt to lie on. It’s been a week since our Serta iRespond Medium ensemble arrived and we are loving it!

iRespond_Medium (2)
The bed we chose, for how it felt, not its looks! It now has a rather lovely upholstered headboard attached!

Things that surprised me about Forty Winks

  • They sell mattresses at all price points. While they’re known for stocking the big name, established brands, they also have plenty of options for people on a budget or those, for example, looking for something for an infrequently used guest bedroom.
  • They sell a lot of really on-trend beds with plenty of upholstered headboards in Warwick Fabrics.
  • They also sell bedroom furniture such as bedsides and ottomans.
  • A lot of their stock is Australian made.

My biggest advice?

Accept the help offered to you in the bed showroom. Tell them how you sleep, what you want to spend and what your areas of concern are. It’s not just about selling you a bed at a certain price, but selling you the right bed in your budget as there’ll be several options.

Remember that a bed isn’t just a piece of furniture. As Forty Winks say, they’re not selling you a bed but a good night’s sleep. I’ve certainly had a few of those lately!

Find your nearest Forty Winks store.

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Bedrooms Competitions Expert Tips

Tips for a good night’s sleep + win an Ergoflex mattress

An Ergoflex mattress won't look out of place in the most stylish bedroom

Sponsored by Ergoflex Memory Foam Mattresses.

There’s nothing like a peaceful, comfortable night’s sleep and a new bed or mattress can be pretty much life-changing! I asked a few experts for their top tips on getting a good night’s sleep and creating a relaxing bedroom sanctuary.

An Ergoflex mattress won't look out of place in the most stylish bedroom
An Ergoflex mattress won’t look out of place in the most stylish bedroom

Matthew White of Ergoflex, says: “Better sleep is about a holistic approach. It’s about improving your sleep environment, and about training yourself to be a better sleeper. First, create a bedroom you never want to leave. A room with a relaxed ambience, regularly washed sheets, darkness when the lights go out and, where possible, zero noise pollution.

“You spend around one-third of your life in your bed so invest in a mattress and pillows that will help you sleep comfortably and undisturbed through the night, such as the proven material memory foam. Exercise, eat healthily, and drink plenty of fluids — and do it to a routine. Learn to wind down before you go to sleep, keep your stresses outside your bedroom door, and retire your digital devices an hour earlier.”

Tracie Ellis is creative director of Melbourne linen brand Aura Home. She says: “A great mattress and good quality natural fibre sheets and bedding are worth every dollar. Create a relaxing sanctuary that allows you to slip into a peaceful slumber with a beautiful natural fibre quilt and pillows, and of course only natural fibres for your bed linen. Your bed linen is right next to your skin so always choose pure cotton and/or linen which will breathe and enable you to have a great night’s sleep, also wonderful in keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

“Choose bed linen in colours that you love so that you’ll feel relaxed when enter your bedroom. Extra luxuries such as big fluffy European pillows and layers of throws on the end of your bed are great for extra warmth and comfort.”

Aura linen
Aura linen

Sometimes, it’s altogether more simple too: “I love an open window for fresh air, a great book and my phone on silent,” Tracie adds.

Interior stylist Naomi Findlay of Silk Home Staging & Styling says: “A visually cluttered space can impact on your ability to focus and relax. Minimising the amount of clutter will give you the best chance to relax and rest. It is well known that colours can have a physiological effect on us; colours can help us focus, increase our heart rate or even have a soothing effect. It goes without saying that it is best to avoid colours that increase your heart rate and alertness when decorating your bedroom, such as fiery red, zesty orange and yellow. Consider a muted or softer palette.”

She adds: “To help you slip into sleep or a relaxing state quicker, choose softer lighting over harsh bright lights. Consider having overhead lighting on dimmers and use side lamps beside the bed. Your bedroom should be all about you and your partner (if applicable), so spend some time thinking about the places that you feel most relaxed and calm. Is this in a holiday home, hotel or somewhere else? Once you have worked this out, spend some time recreating elements of this place to help transport you there whenever you enter the room.”

Kip & Co linen
Kip & Co linen

Hayley Pannekoecke of Australian bed linen company Kip & Co, adds: “The first thing required for a great night’s sleep is a fluffy pillow and an amazing comfy mattress. Linen-wise, nothing beats beautiful soft cotton sheets and pillowcases.

“Having a hot shower before bed is great for getting you in a snoozy state of mind. It’s important to have good air flow in the bedroom and to be warm, but not too warm. Overheating is terrible for sleeping conditions. Lastly, try and eat dinner a couple of hours before bed so you’re not too full. If you follow these guidelines you’re bound to be drifting off in no time at all! Sweet dreams!”

About Ergoflex

The Ergoflex memory foam mattress is a temperature sensitive, pressure-relieving mattress that moulds itself to the contours of your body. The Ergoflex memory foam mattress gives your body optimum support and comfort meaning a restful and more comfortable sleep. Available online across Australia at www.ergoflex.com.au

WIN A MATTRESS

For your chance of winning an Ergoflex mattress in your choice of size tell us, in less than 200 words, why you crave a good night’s sleep. Complete the form below by 11pm on Sunday 16 March 2014

Full terms and conditions.

[gravityform id=”14″ name=”Interiors Addict Competition Entry 3″ title=”false” description=”false”]

Good luck!