Toddlers & PreschoolersSleepSleep BasicsMoving from Crib to Bed Here's how to make a smooth transition. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Google Plus Text EmailMany people who have made the crossover from traditional innerspring mattresses to memory foam are enthusiastic about the benefits they have received. Naturally, they want to share their improved sleep experience with their children. But is memory foam appropriate for children? In general, a memory foam mattress is not a good idea for infants and toddlers. However, older children and teens can usually enjoy the benefits of memory foam without any issues or concerns. The biggest things to consider when addressing this question are the child’s age and size, the memory foam properties, and the mattress properties. Age, Needs & Safety The same body-contouring properties that have made memory foam products famous worldwide are the same characteristics that can pose a danger to infants. This is of particular concern with temperature sensitive memory foams which soften under body heat and weight, allowing the sleeper to sink slightly while the surrounding material remains firmer (making turning more difficult).
Nearly every professional source recommends infants and very young children sleep on a very firm surface, primarily because kids of this age may not be able to turn themselves over at night which can become dangerous on a soft or contouring material. Amerisleep’s memory foam is not temperature reactive so it maintains consistent firmness and offers a quick response time, proving safe for most kids outside of their preschool years. Older children should not have a problem repositioning themselves and would generally be of sufficient size to be able to enjoy the benefits of memory foam without concerns. For kids up to their pre-teen years, a firm mattress would still be ideal according to expert sources (by teen years, we often develop more specific comfort preferences and needs however). One other potential concern parents may have involves chemicals in traditional memory foam mattresses that can result in off-gassing and unnecessary exposure. While largely considered innocuous, some types could use chemicals of concern that could contribute to or exacerbate existing respiratory or neurological conditions.
Eco-friendly plant-based memory foam offers an alternative that combines healthiness and comfort, and may often present a safer option than standard spring beds. Our Bio-Pur™ foam is certified to be free of toxic components like formaldehyde, CFCs, and other concerning additives. Waterproof mattress covers can also help reduce concerns about chemicals as well as allergens, regardless of mattress type. This will help extend the life of their bed, make accident cleanup much easier, and prevent dust mites and mold from accumulating. Memory Foam Can Benefit Kids Whether or not memory foam for kids is a good idea depends greatly on the kid, their age and size, and the mattress itself. As a parent, you will be the best judge of your child’s needs and abilities. Be sure to exercise caution and due diligence when considering a memory foam mattress for a young child, but know that memory foam can be perfectly safe for most kids and teens. View our mattress selection to find the best bed for your child.
Amerisleep vs. Memory Foam ComparisonThis entry was posted on October 19, 2014. OK, so you found the perfect kids bed for your boy or girl, and now it's time to find the perfect mattress. It may not be as exciting, in fact, shopping for mattresses can be very complicated – there are lots of brands, options and sales messages. As adults we spend a lot of time trying out many before finally choosing the right one. (Yes, you know you laid down on several mattresses in that store!!) But, when it comes to our kids' mattresses, we don't nearly have as many choices. Kids need more sleep than adults, they spend more time in bed than adults, and their bones and organs are developing and growing and need proper support. Let's not forget the (hopefully) "occasional" spills and wear and tear kids mattresses endure! So buying the right mattress for your child is actually a very important decision. At Maxtrix®, we believe that the most important point when considering a mattress for your child is one that many parents don’t even consider when they start to shop: SAFETY!
To offer parents some great,safe choices for children's mattresses, Maxtrix® has developed a line of 5 specialty children's mattresses we call Maxmattress. We hope the information in this article will make the mattress shopping experience easier for you, and help you ask the right questions, so you can be sure you have made the right choice when purchasing a mattress for your child. Questions to ask before buying a kids mattress.Just because it’s "made for kids", does not mean it shouldn't have the same, or better quality and comfort features than an adult mattress. Organic cotton, thick padding, luxurious ticking and great quality materials are all key to creating a super comfy mattress.No matter how tall your child’s bed is off the ground, you want to prevent a fall at any cost. That’s why high safety rails on any kids bed are so critical. Did you consider that every inch of thickness (and seemingly cushiness and comfy-ness) of your child's mattress reduces the safety rail height of the bed by a corresponding inch?
Some manufacturers decide to only go to the minimum federally mandated 5” safety rail height for children's bunks and lofts. At Maxtrix®, the safety rail is 16” tall – the tallest in the industry. So when you use a low profile mattress (5"), you maximize the safety rail height at 11": This is why we believe in low profile (5") mattresses for children sleeping in raised beds. You do not need to make a mattress super thick to make it comfy and great to sleep on. But, you can really cut into safety rail height with an extra plush mattress. So what size mattress will fit my Maxtrix Bed? All regular Maxtrix beds fit regular twin or full sized mattresses (please note that trundle beds need a special trundle sized mattress which is a little shorter than a regular twin and 5" thick). Technically, you can use a mattress that is up to 11" thick in our bunks and lofts if you so chose, as this still leaves 5" of safety rail height exposed. However, we strongly recommend using low profile mattresses, ideally at 5", to maximize the safety rail height.
If you really want a thicker mattress we suggest looking for an 8" thickness, but avoid going all the way to 11". -What kind of foam is used in the mattress? Almost all mattresses contain some kind of foam, and there are real differences that are worth understanding. The easiest way to know you are purchasing a safe, great quality foam product is to look for a Certipure certification. All foam used in Maxmattresses is certified Certipure-US, low emissions (Low VOCS), made without Ozone depleters, produced without PBDE’s, made without mercury, lead heavy metal, made without formaldehyde, made without phthalates. To learn more about Certipure, check out this link. - What’s the surface/ticking made out of and treated with? Many kids mattresses on the market use synthetic materials that can cause sweating and block moisture. The ticking of Maxmattresses is made with organic cotton. Maxmattresses are also treated with Nanotex, a fabulous material that helps moisture bead off the surface.
So when a spill happens, your mattress is protected and can dry easier. - What choices are available, and what’s the difference? Strangely enough there are not that many choices of children's mattresses out there! Through it's Maxmattress range, Maxtrix® offers the main 4 categories of mattresses to give you a great array of choices from the most affordable foam mattress to high grade, premium Latex. The main features and benefits of each choice are listed below: c) Memory Foam Mattresses Sleeping more than one or need a place for family and friends to stay? We've got you covered there as well! Let's make sure their stay is as safe and comfortable as your son's or daughter's. Our (foam based) trundle mattress fits perfectly into the Maxtrix® trundle bed frame and creates a great comfy sleeping spot for overnight guests. - What should I know about slats? Why is this important? At Maxtrix® our slats are tested to support up to 800 lb’s per bed - so they are super sturdy - and best of all, the slats are already included in your Maxtrix® purchase!!